The unit, a Joy 14CM10aa (from Komatsu Mining) like the first it already had in its fleet, is currently receiving installation of a proximity detection safety system. When that work is complete in about two weeks, it will place the CM into production in early April at the Pike County mine.

Carnegie 1 is the first in a collection of underground met mines American is bringing online or restarting, each within the footprint of the high-vol A/B Lower Alma seam. The CM at Carnegie 1 is the last piece of equipment needed to put its expansion into place and meet the increasing demand for its met coal product.

American Resources estimated that, with the walking super-section in action, it will be able to achieve initial production in the first phase of 14,000-20,000 US tons (12,700-18,100 tonnes) per month from less than 7,000 US tons per month historically that had been produced prior over one production shift.

This first phase of development should be completed by the second week of April. It will continue to ramp up and further expand after that to eventually reach total output of 32,000-42,000 US tons per month.

"This is an interim yet important milestone in our expansion plan at Carnegie 1", company COO Tarlis Thompson said. "Having the proper equipment and mine plan is integral to the long-term success of our mines."

Production from the Carnegie mine will continue to be trucked to its McCoy Elkhorn Coal prep facility for processing and rail loading. It will also now be able to blend its tonnage with other met production at the facility.