January 13, 2023 - Bens Creek Group PLC (AIM:BEN, OTC:BENCF) said it has ordered a second highwall mining unit by the end of the month to increase production at its metallurgical coal mine in West Virginia.

The steel industry supplier outlined how it amended the contract with highwall mining contractor Mega Highwall Mining to confirm the second machine, unit 77, with a right but no obligation to a third if it wishes.

Highwall miner components

Photo: Mega Highwall Mining

Unit 77 components have begun to arrive on site, it said, and once the machine has been re-assembled, production is expected to start next month.

Chief executive Adam Wilson said: “We are looking forward to the arrival of the second highwall miner and then assembling it on site.

“Once it is in place and fully operational, we expect to quickly improve production in line with our established programme.”

Last month, Bens Creek sold its own highwall coal miner for US$3.6mln cash.