The DenverPost reported the figures, retrieved from the state Division of Reclamation Mining and Safety, followed a seven-year period of declining coal production for the state.
Employment at the state’s ten mines also rose 12% to 2363 in the first nine months of 2011, according to the DRMS.
Colorado Mining Association president Stuart Sanderson told the news service he was reassured from the positive figures.
“After some tough years, this is good news,” Sanderson said.
Colorado plays host to some major coal mines, including Peabody Energy’s Twentymile and Arch Coal’s West Elk mine.
