In an interview with International Longwall News, company spokesperson Rick Nida said that there are no outstanding issues remaining at the Pennsylvania operation. Regular production resumed as of the afternoon shift on June 2.

“We used 16-foot cable bolts and gluing to control the roof," Nida noted of the actions taken to bring the panel at Emerald back to its former self.

“Following the initial roof fall, some of the equipment was pinned and we had to pull it free and remove some gob. There was no damage to the equipment; it was simply a matter of getting free of the affected area."

Output from the longwall had been curtailed since the May 15 roof fall. Continuous mining section production continued, but the mine has still been left with a 215,000-ton shortfall – on the lower end of its estimated range of 210,000t to 240,000t.

The producer has lifted its force majeure declaration on output from the mine, and Nida confirmed for ILN that Foundation still anticipated meeting its full-year production guidance of 14 million tons from its Emerald and Cumberland operations.

“We are pleased to report that due to the outstanding efforts of our employees, roof conditions are stable and the longwall equipment is working well," added company president Kurt Kost.

As for the status of Emerald's second longwall, Nida said the original longwall equipment has been removed from the mine and it currently being rebuilt.

“We anticipate it being back in production by the fourth quarter when both longwalls are scheduled to operate," Nida said.