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| Core Natural Resources |
West Virginia coal producer pauses operations at key site as production costs mount
U.S.-based Core Natural Resources has announced plans to idle most operations at its Itmann met coal mine in West Virginia, citing unsustainable production costs. The move marks a strategic retrenchment in Core’s coking coal portfolio, which has already seen setbacks following the fire-induced halt at Leer South mine.
Production cuts at Itmann signal market recalibration
Core will temporarily pause two of the three production units at the Itmann met coal mine, which yielded 292,500 short tons in H1 2025. This output represented 65% of the mine’s total capacity, according to MSHA data. The company acquired the site through Consol Energy’s merger with Arch Resources earlier this year.
However, high cost per ton has forced Core to scale back. In parallel, Leer South—another high-volume operation—remains offline after CO contamination delayed a planned restart. Core now targets an October recovery for Leer South, with output expected shortly thereafter.
Long-term guidance intact despite near-term supply decline
Despite short-term production disruptions, Core maintains its annual guidance of 7.5–8.0 million tonnes of coking coal. Importantly, the firm confirmed 7.5 million tonnes already committed, limiting spot market availability. In Q2 2025, Core’s coal sales hit 1.9 million tonnes, down 20% year-on-year compared to pre-merger volumes.
Meanwhile, Core has yet to indicate whether declining output at the Itmann met coal mine will prompt further structural changes. The firm continues to prioritize contract fulfillment while navigating volatile pricing and elevated operating risks across Appalachia.
ScrapInsight Commentary
Core's partial shutdown of the Itmann met coal mine underlines escalating cost pressures in U.S. coking coal production. While long-term supply contracts shield Core from spot volatility, reduced operational flexibility may strain margins if repair timelines at Leer South slip. This highlights the fragility of U.S. met coal logistics, especially as demand from steelmakers remains regionally imbalanced.
