"We needed to make a decision about how to proceed with the overhaul issues at the mine,” according to president Eugene Chiaramonte Jr.

“I decided it was best to stop production temporarily, complete the overhaul and get back to work on the coal. It appears to be a good decision based on the production over the last few days and the progress we are currently making."

Chiaramonte said Pond Creek shipped 35 loaded coal trailers on September 8 and 9, each one with 42 tons bound for its processing facility – an average of 700 raw tons daily.

He said the reported tonnage would increase daily as the mine was still working on a turn that would put it on the coal seam’s full face.

“For each portion of the turn we complete, the coal output increases considerably,” he noted.

“We fully expect to have the turn completed within the next eight days, barring any equipment failures or setbacks.”

Once the turn is made, production will continue “at or near” full capacity for the 20-worker operation that is currently running on two shifts. Officials outlined the crews as 12 committed to mining (first shift) and eight for routine maintenance (second shift), with those eight also cutting coal when upkeep work is complete.

"This is an exciting time for Pond Creek,” Chiaramonte said. “We are attaining our goals and reaching the large main seam of coal, and I anticipate some large increases in production as we venture into the fourth quarter of this year."