#USA #Core Natural Resources #Canonsburg #Leer South #Longwall Mining

Core Natural Resources Resumes Longwall Mining Operations at Leer South

Core Natural Resources, Inc. (NYSE: CNR) has officially restarted its longwall mining operations at the Leer South metallurgical mine, located in Barbour County, West Virginia. This decision comes after a period of inactivity that began on January 13, 2025, due to concerns surrounding combustion-related activities from a prior mining area.

The company has also noted positive developments at its West Elk longwall mine in Colorado, which is now achieving consistent productivity levels after a transition period while moving to the B-Seam. Leadership at Core anticipates this trajectory of improved performance to extend into future operations.

Jimmy Brock, the chairman and CEO of Core, expressed his commendation towards the operations team for prioritizing safety during the process of recovery and repositioning the longwall system. He stressed the importance of collaboration with federal, state, and local regulatory officials in facilitating the recovery. Brock emphasized that Leer South stands as a strategically vital asset, with expectations for it to perform exceptionally in 2026 and beyond.

After recovering major mining equipment at Leer South—including 209 hydraulic shields, the face conveyor, shearer, stage loader, crusher, and power system—Core’s team confirmed that the equipment remained largely in good condition, facing only minor damage despite its extended period out of operation. The successful repositioning of the longwall system has allowed the team to seal the previously affected area of the mine, mitigating any further concerns related to the combustion incident.

George Schuller Jr., Senior Vice President and COO of Core, praised the operations team for their professionalism and unwavering commitment to safety throughout this challenging endeavor. The operational outlook for Leer South is strong as the team anticipates smoothly ramping operations into 2026 while ensuring high efficiency levels.

Looking ahead, Core projects a substantial improvement in its financial performance for 2026, driven by the commencement of operations at Leer South, enhanced geological conditions at West Elk, and promising insurance recoveries associated with the previous incidents at Leer South. Furthermore, the expectation to cease fire suppression and idling costs reinforces the financial forecast alongside benefits derived from ongoing synergies following the company's recent merger.

Core Natural Resources, Inc. was formed in January 2025 through the merger of two prominent industry leaders, CONSOL Energy and Arch Resources. Headquartered in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, the company is recognized as a significant producer of high-quality metallurgical coal intended for diverse applications in the steel production and energy generation sectors.

In summary, the restart of longwall mining at Leer South marks a pivotal step forward for Core Natural Resources, with strong expectations for operational excellence and profitability in the near future. The company’s dedicated workforce, combined with its strategic assets and commitment to safety, positions it well for continued success in a competitive marketplace.