Moolarben’s September quarterly production was up 14% on the year prior to 2.9 million tonnes, driven by continued excellent mining conditions and uninterrupted throughput rates, the company said in its quarterly report.

“Moolarben continues to adjust the pacing of its extraction rates in accordance with the complex’s mine plan, to meet its approved production total of 13.5Mt for 2017,” Yancoal said.

Operations produced a total 6.09Mt saleable coal for the reporting period, up 38% on the year prior, due mainly to ongoing growth at the Moolarben complex and the addition of the recently acquired Coal & Allied assets.

Total sales volumes were 7.15Mt, up 39% on the year prior.

Yancoal assumed operational control of the Mount Thorley Warkworth and Hunter Valley Operations assets on September 1 after acquiring then from Rio Tinto for US$2.69 billion, maintaining the existing extraction rates and mine plans throughout the reporting period.

Yancoal continues to implement its integration strategy and review of both assets, working towards establishing appropriate cost reduction strategies and improved operational efficiencies where required.