According to Reuters, Walter Energy Inc. year-to-date sales volumes are exceeding the record levels reached in 2008 and demand for steelmaking coal has shown no signs of reduction. The coal miner expects to supply about 6.4 million tons of hard coking coal in 2009 compared with 5.8 million tons sold in 2008. Walter, who posted a strong third quarter profit, expects to sell about 1.6 million to 1.7 million tons of coking coal in the fourth quarter whereas production may range between 1.4 million and 1.5 million tons only. The company said it expects to add another longwall in one of its mines by mid-December and will likely hit full capacity by January.
