The unit is capable of helping extract 1300-1500 raw tons per eight-hour shift. It not only doubles the proficiency output, but also is intended to work in conjunction with the mine’s existing Joy 14-10 miner.

"Having the two miners working in cycle also allows for less downtime,” Quest president Eugene Chiaramonte Jr noted.

“While one machine sets up for a heading change, the other miner continues on with coal production,” he said, adding that the company recently acquired two more shuttlecars for efficient production transport.

Chiaramonte Jr also said that as prices for coal were beginning to increase, Quest was already seeing increased demand for its metallurgical compatible-grade product.

“This equipment expansion will allow us to stay competitive.”

Quest began renovation work on the Cedar Grove and Pond Creek operations in 2008. Whitestar has been retained as the contract miner for the operations.

Last month Quest secured a coal contract for subsidiary Gwenco. The customer was a large coal production and distribution company, and Quest said coal orders would be placed “for the foreseeable future”

“After a disappointing first half of 2009, we are starting to see signs that demand for coal, both in the United States and abroad, is rebounding and getting stronger,” Chiaramonte Jr noted in mid-August.

“In addition to our new account, other coal purchasers have indicated their interest in purchasing our coal. We are also encouraged by industry analyst reports that international exports, particularly to Asia, are dramatically increasing due to increased steel mill production, and that US steel producers are also showing positive signs."