COAL MINING: Output cut at Brule and Wolverine

BRITISH COLUMBIA — Vancouver-based Western Canadian Coal Corp. is reducing operations at both its Brule and Wolverine mines. The reductions are necessary due to rising inventories.

The Brule mine, which produces low-volatile PCI coal, will be operating at a rate of approximately 750,000 t/y effective at the end of January 2009. This is down from its current rate of 1.3 million t/y.

The Wolverine operation, which produces primarily hard coking coal, has given notice to employees that it may curtail operations entirely effective May 18, 2009, subject to market conditions for the next coal year. Notice was also given to the contractor at Wolverine to terminate the mining operation contract. When operations at the mine resume, these will be done by the company. The operation is currently operating at a rate of 1.6 million t/y.

Look for further news at www.WesternCanadianCoal.com.