Arch
Coal Inc. says longwall mining is underway at its Leer mine in northern West Virginia
St.
Louis-based Arch said Tuesday that the longwall system's startup is a milestone
in the company's development of the Leer Mining Complex in Taylor County
Arch
says in a news release that the mine is expected to produce more than 3 million
tons of metallurgical coal on an annualized basis. Most of the coal will be
sold for steel production.
President
and CEO John W. Eaves says in the release that the mine is poised to become a
cornerstone of the company's operations in Appalachia .
Arch
acquired the mine when it bought International Coal Group in 2011. The company
says it has invested more than $400 million to develop the mine.
