Clinch Resources Ltd., a Tennessee-based met coal producer with mining assets in West Virginia, announced that mining operations at its Lanes Branch surface operation have commenced. Located in Wyoming County, West Virginia, Lanes Branch will begin producing from the first of two spreads of equipment, with the first shipments of met coal projected to begin in May 2026.

The company expects to integrate a second spread of equipment within its operations in 90 days or less, a move expected to ramp up coal production and shipments.

“The commencement of operations at Lanes Branch is a major milestone in the overall development of Clinch’s mining projects and path to near-term coal production,” said Jon Nix, CEO of Clinch. “By integrating a second equipment spread within the next 90 days, we are positioning the company to increase production capabilities and capitalize on the growing demand for high-quality coking coal.”

Coal Age readers might recall that Nix founded Xinergy Corp. (XRG) in 2008, a former Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) listed Central Appalachian metallurgical and thermal coal producer, where he served as CEO and chairman through May 2012. Prior to Xinergy Corp., Nix was the founder, CEO and chairman of Nasdaq-listed National Coal Corp., from 2001 through 2005. During March, Clinch Resources Ltd. completed a previously announced business combination transaction, which resulted in a reverse takeover of the company by the security holders of Arrow Resources Ltd.

The company was renamed Clinch Resources. It is listed on the TSX and began trading under the symbol CLCH on Friday, March 20, 2026. In connection with the transaction, the company raised $28.2 million through a private placement of 15.7 million shares at $1.80 per share. The company also completed a non-brokered private placement of $17.8 million worth of convertible notes, which have a term of three years and bear interest at a rate of 9.5% per year. Lanes Branch is the first of two mines Clinch Resources plans to open.