The mine generated 161,529t in 2012, exceeding its target of 155,000t. In 2011, the Stockton mine produced 100,139t.

Coal sales grew 32% to 140,213t in 2012, as against 106,403t in the previous year.

Average sales price, excluding byproduct fine coal, increased to $149.20 in 2012 from $142.33 in 2011.

Atlantic Coal managing director Steve Best remarked that the company is now witnessing the benefits of its investment program for mine operations improvement.

"With a 61% increase in production and the 32% increase in sales of clean coal over 2011, our revenue also benefited from the 5% increase in the average sales price of coal," Best said.

"During the year we expanded our sales channels and achieved a significant milestone with the first major export shipment outside of North America, comprising 11,000 tons of anthracite from Fairless Hills Port, Philadelphia to Germany for use in the steel industry. We are positive about further such sales in the future," added Best.