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Clinch Resources|JJ Resources|Coking Coal|Critical Minerals|Metallurgical Coal|Steelmaking|West Virginia
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clinch-resources|jj-resources|coking-coal|critical-minerals|metallurgical-coal|steelmaking|west-virginia

Clinch Resources starts commercial production of met coal in US

Metallurgical coal pile in West Virginia

Metallurgical coal pile in West Virginia

Photo by Bloomberg

21st May 2026

By: Marleny Arnoldi

Online News Editor

     

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TSX-listed Clinch Resources has started with commercial metallurgical coal production at its Lanes Branch surface mining operation, in Wyoming, West Virginia, ahead of schedule.

Having transitioned successfully from mine development to active commercial operations, Clinch Resources is now among the world’s high-quality coking coal producers, with initial production being prepared for delivery to steel-based manufacturing facilities domestically and globally.

The company is now focused on ramping up production volumes.

CEO Jon Nix says reaching first production at Lanes Branch validates the company’s operational strategy and the quality of its assets. He affirms that the ramp-up in production will maintain operational excellence and safety standards, which are aspects that define the company’s culture.

Metallurgical coal is essential for integrated steelmaking, with no substitutes currently in existence. Unlike thermal coal, it cannot be replaced by natural gas or renewables. Integrated steel plants using metallurgical coal account for 70% of global steel capacity.

Metallurgical coal is among the 60 critical minerals being prioritised by the US.  

Clinch has two permitted projects from its 54 000 acre ARI asset – Lanes Branch and Mine 8, which is a historical underground metallurgical coal producing mine.

The company also owns 39% of a mid-volume metallurgical coal producer, JJ Resources.

Edited by Creamer Media Reporter

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