The Redbird West operation, in Jefferson County, cut its first coal on October 31 and will mine from the Pittsburgh 8 seam, OAE president Michael Jamison told International Longwall News.

Due to geology that includes roof coal, an approximate one-foot binder and the main bench, crews will aim to cut between 50 and 55 inches of the 60in average seam, OAE director of operations Stanley Piasecki said.

Piasecki said the complex will include other highwall punch sites when complete, and the miner will move from area to area with one future face measuring about 3000ft.

The property - near Brilliant, Ohio - is close to AEP's Cardinal generation facility and owned by the power generator but leased by OAE.

AEP will be the sole beneficiary of the output from the highwall, which will be delivered to Cardinal by truck for processing and use.

Officials for OAE said the mine is currently hiring a second shift crew for the site to add to the one group of about 60 now working 12-hour shifts. The total crew will be about 150 when all hiring is complete and the operation will likely work on those two shifts five days a week.

A highlight for the new mine is its new ICG Addcar highwall miner, a milestone in itself for the supplier, marketing director Brad Lewis said.

"OAE purchased the first ever Narrow Bench Highwall Mining System manufactured by ICG Addcar Systems," he said.

"The main advantage of the Narrow Bench System is that the amount of mountain to be removed for the system to complete its work is less.

"This means lower cost coal and reduced environmental disturbance."

OAE is a division of Ohio-based Murray Energy Corporation.

For more information on Redbird West, its lifespan, and ICG Addcar's relationship with the operator, check out the December edition of American Longwall Magazine.