Exxaro Resources Ltd., which was expected to start producing coal at its Belfast mine in South Africa in 2020, kicked off production six months ahead of schedule.
Executive Head of Projects Johan Meyer said first production took place "well within budget and with no lost time due to injuries."
Additionally, business unit manager Lazarus Ramashilabele noted that the mine will be able to produce 2.7 million tonnes of thermal coal annually for at least the next 17 years in the first phase of development, starting in 2020.
Ramashilabele added that depending on market conditions, there is potential for a second phase that may take the mine life to 30 years.
The company said Sept. 13 that its immediate focus for the Belfast plant will primarily be on producing 2.2 million tonnes per annum of A-grade, export-quality coal and 500,000 tonnes per annum of secondary-quality product for local use.
Exxaro kicked off work at Belfast in mid-2018, for which it earmarked 3.3 billion South African rand in 2017 as part of a five-year capital expenditure program.
