The Kenmare mine of QCT Resources has resumed cutting coal after a five week-stoppage.

In late December three chocks at the tail-gate end of the longwall became wedged when roof material came down. The chocks have now been dug out and moved forward, enabling longwall operations to recommence.

General manager Jim Randell said the problem arose when the longwall moved into the Lower Seam in August last year. The mine has developed techniques to successfully pre-condition faults in the Upper Seam but faults in the Lower Seam didn't behave as expected.

Randell said the mine was working on alternate methods to treat faults beforehand. The longwall is now clear of faults and a smooth run is expected.

Kenmare has also recently trialled punch mining for development gateroads going in off the existing highwall. Randell said though the method had proved technically sound, contractor Roche Bros had withdrawn from performing the work because it could not meet delivery targets.

He added the method was still not out of the question and could be reexamined at a later date.