Anticipating the longwall move, stocks at the Ashton mine reached 364,000t for the quarter, more than half of the mine's total coal production of 625,000t, to cover supplies while the longwall is out of action.
Production on the second longwall block is expected to ramp up in November.
Meanwhile, Felix Resources has put a hold on the sale of 49% of its wholly owned Yarrabee mine to capitalise on the booming coal market. It is also waiting on a court decision over the Moolarben complex mining lease after a case was brought against the company by neighbouring miner Xstrata.
The coal company has also submitted an expression of interest to increase its export capacity from Gladstone through the new terminal of Wiggins Island due to commence in late 2012.
