Those setbacks though were enough to force the miner to announce yesterday it had dropped its predicted saleable production for 2008 to 600–700,000t.

In its June quarterly results, the dual listed Canadian and Australian miner revealed it achieved a record 55,000t during June and was on track in July to exceed the record.

“The ramp-up of production has continued into July with a number of daily shift records set in the first two weeks of the month, including one shift that matched the production required to achieve the 100,000 tonnes per month rate," the company said.

Caledon's focus is now on consistently repeating the results with its unique Magatar Linear Mining System to reach anticipated production.

The company blamed lower production in April and May on technical issues with a new ABM25 continuous miner and delays in crossing a known fault.

“Both of these issues were resolved in late May allowing the mine to again focus on increasing production,” Caledon said.

“The company has also gained important knowledge from the fault crossing and these insights will be beneficial in reducing the impact of similar circumstances in the future."

The mine announced drivage of a new drift into the Argo seam at pit bottom was essentially complete with activities now focused on belt and service installation.

It said a reconfigured and refurbished Joy wide head miner will commence roadway development in coal in late July which will supplement production.

The miner has also completed deliveries under 2007 prices and is now selling at higher 2008 industry-standard prices.

Caledon spent $A120,000 on exploration at its Minyango project during the quarter and has now completed its second exploration program.

Caledon closed down 9.76% at $1.85 on Wednesday.

Check out the upcoming September edition of Australian Longwall Magazine for an exclusive profile on Caledon's Cook mine.