Magdalena run of mine production was 322,000 tons for Q2 FY2014, representing a 4% increase over first quarter fiscal 2014 production of 309,000t.

It also represents a 13.8% increase on the same period last year.

Total ROM production for the quarter of 446,000t was on par with the previous quarter, with saleable production 2% greater than Q1 FY2014.

"We are very pleased with the production numbers we have achieved this quarter and in particular with the consecutive record production months achieved by the Magdalena underground mine in July and August,” Forbes president and chief executive officer Stephan Theron commented.

“The company has experienced a steady and consistent pace of growth in the last three months and we are tracking well against our annual production targets.

“A continued incremental increase in production each month is the focus for the remainder of the year.

“We will continue to maintain current production momentum.”

In Q2 FY2014, Forbe’s domestic sales were 135,000t, a 14% increase over the first quarter of fiscal 2014.

However, Forbes said it exported 103,000t of coal, a 27% decrease over Q1 FY2014 but it did not provide justification.

It said the stockpile at Navitrade increased by 22,000t or 53%.

Forbes holds majority interests in its South African underground mines, both with a substantial resource base and a projected life span in excess of 20 years.

The Magdalena bituminous coal project has a 51.7 million ton mineable in situ coal resource consisting of 51.3Mt measured and 400,000t indicated.

The Aviemore anthracite coal project has a resource of 35.7Mt, with 1.6Mt measured and 34.1Mt indicated.