Published: April 21, 2026 |

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Clinch Resources said it has commenced mining operations at its Lanes Branch Property surface operation.

Lanes Branch, located in Wyoming County, West Virginia, will begin producing from the first of two spreads of equipment, with 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. 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,” said Jon Nix, CEO of Clinch.

Met coal, which is essential for steelmaking, was recently added to the U.S. Department of the Interior’s critical mineral list. This list comprises 60 minerals considered by the U.S. to be vital for the economic well-being of the world’s major and emerging economies, and whose supply may be at risk due to geological, economic, or geopolitical circumstances.

Clinch Resources is a Tennessee-based metallurgical mining company with its corporate office located in Knoxville, Tennessee and operations in West Virginia. The company will supply high-quality coking coal to steel-based manufacturing facilities both domestically and seaborn for critical global infrastructure. Clinch is currently opening its first two mines.

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