Tulsa-based Alliance Resource Partners, a major coal mining operator in the eastern U.S. is extending its temporary suspension of operations at its Ilinois Basin mines.
Originally, the company intended for the suspension to end April 15 but now Alliance Resource says work will be suspended until April 26. The firm reached the new date after contacting customers and determining that anticipated coal supply requirements can be met currently from remaining inventory at its Illinois Basin mines.
In addition, ARLP ceased coal production at its MC Mining operation in east Kentucky in early April, and will supply coal to its customers from existing inventory until coal production is transitioned to the new Excel Mine No. 5, which is expected to occur in early May 2020.
Coal production is continuing at ARLP’s Northern Appalachian mines. To protect employees, these operations have implemented numerous safeguards including staggered shift patterns to promote social distancing, enhanced cleaning procedures, promotion of recommended hygiene practices and limiting workplace access.
As ARLP continues to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as its ability to continue to meet customer needs from existing coal inventories at the affected operations, the actual return to production will be accelerated or extended if needed.
ARLP intends to provide a status update with its report of financial and operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2020.
ARLP currently produces coal from seven mining complexes it operates in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland and West Virginia. ARLP also operates a coal loading terminal on the Ohio River at Mount Vernon, Indiana. ARLP markets its coal production to major domestic and international utilities and industrial users and is currently the second largest coal producer in the eastern United States.
ARLP generates royalty income from mineral interests it owns in premier oil & gas producing regions in the United States, primarily the Permian, Anadarko, Williston and Appalachian basins.
Source: Business Wire
