Walter Energy (NYSE: WLT), a leading U.S. producer and exporter of premium coking coal for the global steel industry, reported that the company has started longwall production at its Mine No. 7 East expansion.

The news release is quoted as saying:

The $175 million expansion, begun in 2005, is expected to generate approximately 2.0 million tons of incremental production in 2010 and up to 3.5 million tons in 2012. The additional production will increase Walter Energy's rated capacity for premium coking coal to approximately 9.5 million tons in 2012.

Click here to access the entire press release ^[1]

Click here to access Walter Energy Corporate Site ^[2]