The unit replaces an existing Joy 14-10 and will work together with a second 14-9 miner incorporated in September 2009.

"Having two miners of the same caliber is very beneficial from an operations standpoint,” Quest president Eugene Chiaramonte said.

“Both pieces of machinery are now each capable of generating between 1300 and 1500 raw tons of coal in an eight-hour period.”

Chiaramonte noted that operationally, less downtime would be marked as the two units would work in cycle, and having similar mechanical specifications would allow for more efficient repairs as parts would be interchangeable.

“With the price of coal starting to rise once more, we are already starting to see an increased demand for our metallurgical compatible grade coal,” he said, adding the company was a step closer to its goal.

As the producer works to upgrade its fleet, it is also recording improved year-on-year performance.

Last week, it announced January production was more than double that of the corresponding period in 2008.

The company reported coal revenues of $US294,700 last month, with operating subsidiary Gwenco producing and shipping 10,900t and selling 4300t.

In January 2009, Quest reported $133,000 in revenues.

Quest began renovation work on the Cedar Grove and Pond Creek operations in 2008. Whitestar has been retained as the contract miner for the operations.