On February 3, US-based metallurgical coal and high quality thermal coal producer INR Energy LLC announced that it has shipped its first cargo of Central Appalachian hard coking coal destined for China via a Newport News shipping facility. The Panamax vessel of approximately 72,000 mt is the first of multiple shipments of INR coking coal to Asia.
In addition, INR‘s West Virginia unit has begun development of its newest mine, Lower War Eagle, in Wyoming County, West Virginia. Targeted to commence production in mid-2011, the Lower War Eagle Mine could produce up to one million mt per year of mid-volatile hard coking coal.
"INR is delighted to be able to expand our customer base to serve Asian steelmaking operations. While INR has always served the European steel producers, this opportunity opens a vast new market for our coking coals and helps establish INR's name in the Asia/Pacific region," INR CEO Gary Rogliano stated.