According to a recent press release, Contura Energy, a private Tennessee-based US coal supplier, expects total 2018 coal shipments to reach 15-16.8 million short tons (st) across all operations, including 3.7-4.1 million st of captive Central Appalachia (CAPP) metallurgical coal and 4.2-5.0 million st of metallurgical coal through its Trading and Logistics segment (up to 9.1 million st in metallurgical coal). Northern Appalachia (NAPP) shipments, sold primarily into thermal markets, are anticipated to be between 7.1-7.7 million st.
As of February 6, 2018, 16 percent of the midpoint of anticipated 2018 CAPP coal shipments were committed and priced at an average of $113.53/st, with an additional 33 percent committed at unpriced or priced based on various indices. Contura expects its 2018 CAPP cost of coal sales to range from $68-$73/st.
Based on the midpoint of guidance, 88 percent of anticipated 2018 NAPP coal shipments were committed and priced at an average of $41.96/st. NAPP cost estimates are projected to be between $29-$33/st.
Contura's capital expenditures for 2018 are expected to be in the range of $64-$74 million. Additionally, costs related to the company's idle operations are expected to be between $10-$12 million for 2018.
Contura also sells Alpha Natural Resources' met coal to export markets including India and Asia. In January, Alpha stated a 2018 total sales guidance of 6.8-7.8 million st of metallurgical coal to all markets.