Corsa CEO George Dethlefsen said the third quarter was a strategically important time for Corsa, with the acquisition of metallurgical coal producer PBS Coals by its Northern Appalachian division and the subsequent integration efforts.

“We continue to be focused on lowering operating costs, while also positioning Corsa for future growth,” he said.

“The addition of a second mining unit at the Casselman Mine of the NAPP Division led to operating cost improvements and increased production levels in the quarter.

“We are also pleased with the continued low-cost performance of our Central Appalachian Division. For the remainder of 2014, our focus will be on our productivity improvement initiatives, signing sales contracts for 2015 business, and the continuation of our growth program.”

Corsa's coal sales guidance for 2014 is about 1,612,000 to 1,662,000 tons. This comprises metallurgical coal sales of about 701,000 to 721,000t and thermal coal sales of about 911,000 to 941,000t.