However, the Thoresby and Kellingley mines are performing slightly below expectations with their difficult geology. Welbeck is operating in line with UK Coal’s outlook.
Development work in all deep mines has progressed in line with or ahead of targets.
Surface mine production at the start of the year was affected by the weather and a relatively increased focus on stripping overburden, although the company expected this production to be recovered during the year.
Coal production in the 2009 first quarter was 1.7 million tonnes.
