MANAGEMENT

American Resources restarts PCR operations

After a year of upgrades and a mine plan restructuring, US coal miner American Resources has restarted operations at the Perry County Resources (PCR) underground complex in eastern Kentucky, US.

Perry County Resources (PCR) in Kentucky, US

Perry County Resources (PCR) in Kentucky, US

The relaunch is also in response to an increased demand for raw materials for steel and infrastructure projects. 

American Resources plans to steadily increase production at PCR during 2021, expecting revenue for the year from PCR coal to come in between US$55 and US$75 million.

The company also wants to restart its other four operating complexes. The first will be the McCoy Elkhorn mine during the second half of 2021.

Chairman and chief executive Mark Jensen called the reopening a "monumental event" for the company.

"The PCR complex has undergone a significant restructuring to focus on a much more streamlined and efficient mine plan, processing capabilities and logistics, eliminating over US$40 million of annual costs and burdensome complexities. [We] have regained the complex's true potential while at the same time being able to fit today's market," he said.

PCR produces pulverised coal injection (PCI) coal and will be the first hub in the American Resources portfolio to also process critical and rare earth minerals in an environmentally positive process from its coal-based sources.

American Resources first announced it was gearing up for a restart in October.

Earlier this week, the company said it is planning to add solar power to the complex. The system, which also includes battery storage, will reduce its peak utility demand, it said.

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