CONSOL Energy commissioned the Itmann coal preparation plant in late September, with the first train of Itmann coal loaded and shipped on October 12, 2022. When fully operational, the Itmann No. 5 mine is projected to produce approximately 900,000 tons per year of premium, low-vol metallurgical coking coal and is expected to serve both the domestic and international steel markets. The plant’s 600-ton-per-hour raw feed capacity is roughly double the output of the Itmann mine, which provides additional upside for third-party processing and blending.
CONSOL Energy is very excited about achieving this major milestone in the project as the Itmann product diversifies its revenue and product mix and opens new market opportunities around the world. The project is also a major development for the state of West Virginia. “We have invested approximately $100 million in the development of the mine, preparation plant, and surrounding infrastructure,” said Jimmy Brock, president and CEO, CONSOL Energy. “We also have given a boost to the economy of southern West Virginia, creating approximately 175 long-term, high-paying jobs, supporting many businesses in the surrounding area and providing numerous charitable contributions to the local communities through our CONSOL Cares Foundation.”
Brock thanked the Itmann team, who enabled the company to bring this project to fruition with an aggressive schedule in a challenging supply chain and labor environment. “[They] will be the backbone of our success at Itmann going forward,” Brock said. He also thanked the state of West Virginia for its cooperation and support of this project and the mine’s transportation partner, Norfolk Southern, for its additional investment in the area and support of the Itmann project and surrounding communities.
The preparation plant commenced operation in Q3 2022 as anticipated, but equipment delays and supply chain bottlenecks have delayed the third and final continuous miner section, which is now expected to ramp up in Q4 2022. Brock said he expects the mine to achieve full run-rate production during Q4 and be prepared for full-capacity operation throughout 2023.
