CONSOL Energy, based in Canonsburg, Pa., announced Friday it had commissioned the Itmann Preparation Plant last month and that the first train of Itmann coal had already loaded and shipped.
The Itmann No. 5 mine, located 2.5 miles northwest of Itmann, West Virginia, is projected to produce approximately 900,000 tons per year of premium, low-vol metallurgical coking coal when fully operational, which is expected to serve both the domestic and international steel markets. The Itmann Preparation Plant can approximately double the Itmann Mine output, providing additional upside for third-party processing and blending, the company said.
The preparation plant diversifies the company’s product mix and opens up new market opportunities around the world, the company said, and is a major economic development for the state of West Virginia.
“We have invested approximately $100 million in the development of the mine, preparation plant, and surrounding infrastructure,” CONSOL President and CEO Jimmy Brock said. “We also have given a boost to the economy of southern West Virginia, creating approximately 175 long-term and high-paying jobs, supporting many businesses in the surrounding area, and providing numerous charitable contributions to the local communities through our CONSOL Cares Foundation.”
The company said the plant started operation in the third quarter of 2022, as expected, but that equipment delays and supply chain bottlenecks have delayed the third and final continuous miner section until the fourth quarter when the mine will achieve full run-rate production.
“On behalf of the entire 25th District, I thank you folks for having the guts and vision to invest in Wyoming County, the people of Wyoming County, and the people of southern West Virginia in the midst of the seemingly never-ending attacks on coal and every other fossil fuel that helps our country stay strong,” said W.V. State Delegate Tony Paynter (25th District). “Southern West Virginia coal built West Virginia, the United States of America, as well as a large portion of the world and helped us win two World Wars. Despite the constant attacks on the coal industry, it is still the rock that Americans can count on to keep their lights on as well as providing the good jobs that provide us all an opportunity to pursue the American Dream. Once again, on behalf of the 25th District, I would like to thank you folks for investing in our people and our communities!”