UK Coal sees FY output at low end of forecast

BRITAIN'S biggest coal producer said full-year output at its deep mines would be at the low end of forecasts and expansion at its Daw Mill site would be delayed by at least a month.

By The Newsroom

Published 6th Jan 2010, 08:21 BST

The Doncaster-based group, which revised its production forecast lower several times during 2009, also announced the appointment of a new mining director.

On Nov. 17, the company forecast full-year deep mine output would be between 5.7 million and 5.8 million tonnes, which itself was a downwards revision from previous forecasts of 6.75 million and then 6.2 million tonnes.

Surface mines production is expected to be around 1.4 million tonnes, it said in a statement today.

On Daw Mill, the company said "difficult geological conditions" had forced production on a new face to be put back until end-Feb. from January, to allow for the installation of powered roof support.

The company said its new mining director, Gareth Williams, who is currently head of operational performance for Anglo Coal Canada and South America, part of Anglo American, would join the company in February 2010.