“The federal enforcement agency fulfilled their stay at the ... mine, held under its wholly owned subsidiary, Gwenco, after a practice trial of the emergency plan was effectively sequenced by the [Mine Safety and Health] Administration's rescue team," said company officials.

Quest president Eugene Chiaramonte Jr said the company is glad to see the operation, which will mine from the Pond Creek seam, inch another step closer to fruition.

“The mine can now shift ahead towards production," he said.

Late last month, company officials said it passed its triple A inspection with federal mine inspectors. The company's contractor, White Star Mining, has already moved its Joy 14-10 continuous miner unit into place at the face.

“With inherent sulfur below 0.6 percent and over 13,000 BTUs as clean coal, the Pond Creek is in demand in this coal market," Chiaramonte said at the time.

“We have serious bids for orders and are looking forward to shipping in spring."

The Pond Creek seam is widely mined in the area as a metallurgical blend coal.