Skip Header
Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. Investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. This is a third-party news feed and may not reflect Fidelity’s views.

Bens Creek shares fall as it moves mine into care and maintenance

(Sharecast News) - Shares in North American metallurgical coal miner Bens Creek were sliding on Friday afternoon, after the company issued an update on its operations and working capital position, confirming that its West Virginia mine was moving into care and maintenance. The AIM-traded firm said that in response to the current state of the metallurgical coal market, financial constraints within the company, and operational challenges at its mine, its board had made a number of key decisions on 9 and 10 April.

As a result, Bens Creek Operations WV (BC Operations), a wholly-owned subsidiary, had significantly reduced operations.

That decision led to the lay-off of 44 employees, a substantial portion of the mine's workforce in West Virginia.

Additionally, from 11 April, the mine would operate on a care and maintenance basis for the foreseeable future.

Avani Resources, the company's largest shareholder, primary off-take partner and lender, was currently engaged in discussions with Bens Creek regarding the terms of providing additional financial support.

The company said a term sheet outlining the terms was under review by the company's legal counsel.

Any potential agreement with Avani could constitute a related party transaction under the AIM rules, the board noted.

"The company continues to assess all options available to it and will make further announcements at the appropriate time," the board said in its statement.

At 1359 BST, shares in Bens Creek Group were down 23.53% at 0.65p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.

Share this article

Related Sharecast Articles

Lexington Gold upbeat on assay results from Jennings-Pioneer project
(Sharecast News) - Explorer and developer Lexington Gold announced positive assay results from its recent drilling programme at the Jennings-Pioneer Project in South Carolina on Monday.
Fulcrum kicks off phased test programme at Sylvanite project
(Sharecast News) - Canada-focussed mineral exploration and development company Fulcrum Metals announced the start of a phased sampling, testing, and study programme at its Sylvanite Gold Tailings project in the Kirkland Lake area of Ontario on Monday.
Mind Gym confident despite swinging to losses
(Sharecast News) - Mind Gym reported on a challenging year in which it swung to losses on Monday, while also outlining a new strategy aimed at medium-term growth and profitability.
NY Empire State manufacturing index contracts again
(Sharecast News) - Manufacturing activity in the state of New York weakened again in June, according to a survey released on Monday.

Important information: This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice. When you are thinking about investing in shares, it’s generally a good idea to consider holding them alongside other investments in a diversified portfolio of assets. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Award-winning online share dealing

Search, compare and select from thousands of shares.

Expert insights into investing your money

Our team of experts explore the world of share dealing.