The Upper Big Branch Mine - South, Performance Coal Company, is located at Montcoal, Raleigh County, West Virginia. The mine is ventilated by one exhausting and one blowing fan that provide ventilation for the mine. Each fan produces approximately 450,000 cfm. The No. 2 Upper Big Gap Branch fan, produces 450,000 cfm on a blowing system.
Plans are to add additional fans in the next few months.
The mine liberates 1,000,000 cubic feet of methane in a 24-hour period. A series of belt conveyors transport coal from the working section to the surface, producing 30,000 raw tons daily. Coal is produced on the day and evening shifts and maintenance is performed on the midnight shift. NPD, is located at Coalburg, Kanawha County, West Virginia, and provides employment for 74 employees. Oasis Contracting, Inc., provides contracting services for Performance Coal Company in constructing overcasts and other general underground labor.