Underground mine production, which totalled 403,954 tonnes in the prior corresponding period, was largely replaced by open cut coal operations which produced 395,343 tonnes in the three months to December 2003.

Saleable production was up 16%, period on period. Lower ROM production was offset by the higher yields from the open cut compared with yields form the underground operations.

Cumnock said it had continued its focus on washing all coal to supply the higher value semi-soft coking coal market.

Longwall mining began at Cumnock in 1984 and ceased on September 10 last year. The decision to close the mine was made after a drilling program by Xstrata which confirmed the mine would not be viable due to adverse geological conditions.