26th Apr 2005 13:00
UK Coal PLC26 April 2005 TRADING STATEMENT At the AGM which will be held at 1.00pm today, the Chairman, David Jones willsay: Losses for the first quarter on continuing operations have been in line withexpectations. Deep Mine Production in our 7 ongoing mines in the first 3 monthswas 2.1 million tonnes (2004 2.0 million tonnes). Surface mine output was 0.3million tonnes (2004 0.6 million tonnes). We have seen some performance improvement in the deep mine business, offset by aproduction shortfall at Harworth colliery which was halted for a period inJanuary and February due to excess methane. Additional drainage and ventilationequipment is being installed to disperse as well as capture and utilise thisgas, and production has been resumed. Surface mines production was in line with expectations on lower operating costsand we continue to work hard to obtain additional planning permissions to securethe future of this business. The second quarter will include a face gap at Daw Mill which was notanticipated. However, a combination of price increases and improved performancein the second half is expected to compensate. Enquiries: Gavin Anderson & Company 020 7554 1400Ken Cronin 07887 591 499Michael Turner 07775 992 415 UK CoalStuart Oliver 07774 231 178 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
Harworth Gp