Coal producer Paringa Resources has started shipping product from its Poplar Grove mine in western Kentucky.

The company said it loaded 1,500 short tons (1,360 metric tonnes) of coal onto barges at its Ainsworth Dock on the Green river on 26 April. The coal was shipped to customer Louisville Gas & Electric and Kentucky Utilities.

Paringa said it expects to boost shipments in coming weeks as more mining equipment is put into operation. The company has deployed a second continuous miner unit and installed a slope conveyor the week of 1 April to bring coal from the mine’s faces to the entrance.

Paringa’s expected production for this year is fully under contract. About 70pc of output is committed for 2020.

Coal in the company’s first shipment to LG&E and KU was a greater quality than Paringa was under contract to ship to the utilities, the company said without being more specific. An investor presentation on Paringa’s website lists the company with LG&E and KU calling for 11,200 Btu/lb coal.

View article here.