The production demonstrates 58% increase compared to 956,000 tons of output recorded in the previous year.
All the produced coal from the mine is delivered to the state-run utility firm Eskom.
Keaton also reported a drop in 5-seam metallurgical coal to 65,661 tons from 140,000 tons produced in fiscal year 2012. The drop is said to be in line with company’s plan with Pit 1 5-seam coal being exhausted.
Further, the Vanggatfontein Colliery recorded zero lost time injury frequency rate during 2012 amidst electricity supply disruptions, continued poor performance of the front end of the 2- and 4-seam plant and industrial action by transport workers in the middle of the year.
Acknowledging the difficult conditions, Keaton Energy CEO Mandi Glad remarked: "Although FY13 presented Vanggatfontein with some challenges, I believe that these have been or will be overcome in the short term and I remain confident that this financial year will be a year of massive growth for this long life operation."
Meanwhile, the production from Vaalkrantz Colliery dropped by 7% to 327,000 tons of anthracite, against 351,331 tons produced in 2012.
