Consol, which is finalising its earnings numbers for its third-quarter release announcement October 31, said its coal division produced 14.5 million short tons in the period ended September 30.

About 1.1Mt of that total was low-vol coking coal from its Buchanan operation in Virginia.

Despite what it called “operational challenges” over the period at its Pennsylvania, officials said the third-quarter figures exceeded its initial guidance of between 13.4 and 13.9Mt, including coking production of 700,000 to 900,000t.

It also noted that its total inventory for the September quarter was 1.075Mt, an increase of about 158,000t, while thermal inventories rose 198,000t to 971,000t.

The producer’s low-vol coal inventory fell 40,000t to 104,000t.

“Currently, the company believes pre-tax income for the quarter could be modestly positive, after adjusting for several discrete items [including] asset sale gains, pension settlement expense, title defects expense and consultant fees,” officials noted.

“However, net income is likely to be a loss for the quarter.”

Operationally, the producer said its safety exceptions in the coal division went up 28% year-on-year from 40 to 51 for the period ended September 30. However, the severity levels of those recorded declined.

Additionally, in the environmental compliance arena, Consol’s coal violations dropped by 40% from 20 to 12 during the same period and compared with the same timeframe.

“Our ability to craft and execute a plan and to accomplish what we set forth to accomplish, speaks volumes about the dedication of our employees and their commitment to Consol’s success,” coal chief operating officer Jimmy Brock said, adding the company’s coal division both overcame operational challenges and exceeded the previous quarter's production guidance – all while it looked forward to more positive news.

“BMX Mine, Consol’s last coal division growth project, remains on track to come online in April 2014, bringing 5 million additional high-BTU [short] tons, with crossover capacity that can be sold into the thermal or high-vol markets.”

Additionally, officials said, a service shaft at the Buchanan mine's old Contrary Portal was due for completion before the end of the year, and its Enlow Fork overland belt project was on schedule for completion by year-end.

The latter project replaces 10.9 kilometres of underground belt, and will permit coal transport to the mine’s prep plant on a more efficient basis.

The group of projects, the company said, represented the last stage of its final coal efficiency upgrades.

Looking ahead to the final financial quarter of the year, the longwall leader said total production should range between 16.3 and 14Mt. Should that goal be met, whole-year 2013 production will end up between 56.7 and 57.1Mt.

The Buchanan mine's fourth quarter production is expected to be between 700,000t and 900,000t. If that, too, is achieved, its 2013 total will be between 4.3Mt and 4.5Mt.