CONSOL Energy Increases Annual Coal Production Guidance from 59-61 Million Tons to 60-62 Million Tons

CONSOL Energy Inc. CNX reports an operations update for the quarter ended March 31, 2011. CONSOL Energy's Coal Division reports total coal production of 17.2 million tons for the quarter, including 1.5 million tons of low-vol metallurgical coal produced by the company's Buchanan Mine. The total production was the highest of any quarter since the fourth quarter of 2008, when the company had several more mines in operation. CONSOL Energy is increasing its annual coal production guidance from 59-61 million tons to between 60 and 62 million tons, with second quarter production between 14.75 and 15.25 million tons. This guidance reflects the normal seasonal production pattern, which would result in 2011's first and fourth quarter production being higher than the second and third quarters. Second quarter production is also expected to be affected by six longwall moves.