Bens Creek Group PLC (AIM:BEN, OTC:BENCF) said most of its infrastructure escaped damage by severe flooding in the Western part of West Virginia - although it did cause some logistical supply and transportation issues.
The coal miner said “the vast majority” of its infrastructure was unaffected, but reported some damage to railway ties due to the sheer volume of water that washed through, causing damage to the ballast along several sections.
However, the railway track itself was not damaged, and the owner and operator of the metallurgical coal mine was able to source a replacement ballast before the arrival of Norfolk Southern (NYSE:NSC) (Norfolk Southern (NYSE:NSC)) trains.
Repairs are now completed, with it passing an inspection by the rail operator on Monday, meaning the train arrival schedule is expected to be unaffected.
The floods did cause some logistical and supply issues, mainly transportation of coal from the area to various ports.
As a result, railway operator Norfolk Southern is sending an additional three trains to the site to help with the supply backlog.
Flooding in the region, which took place between 27 July and 30 July, caused several disruptions, including power outages, downed trees and road blockages.
As a result, a state of emergency was declared, with the statement adding members of Bens Creek’s staff were active in the community to assist where possible.
“I need to thank each and every member of our team, who worked tirelessly round the clock from Wednesday night, often through the night on multiple nights in succession in very difficult conditions,” said chief executive Adam Wilson.