July 14, 2020 - CONSOL Energy Inc. and CONSOL Coal Resources LP today provided an update on their second quarter 2020 operational performance and cash management efforts as well as their ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

CEIX implemented several operating protocols at its mine sites to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19, including increased sanitation efforts and idling mine locations if needed. Given the significant reduction in US and global economic activity, several of our customers deferred tonnage and/or partially bought out of their contracted positions. As a result, we ended the second quarter of 2020 with sales of 2.3 million tons (CCR's share of 0.6 million tons). In response to the decrease in demand for coal, the company took several steps to minimize its cash burn, as several of our customers have been negatively impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Enlow Fork mine was largely idled during the second quarter, and the Bailey mine ran at a significantly reduced capacity. We completed contract buyouts of $30.1 million (CCR's share of $7.5 million) in the second quarter of 2020, which brings our year-to-date contract buyout total to $41.0 million (CCR's share of $10.2 million), as of June 30, 2020. We continue to work very closely with our customers to manage this unprecedented demand decline.

On the cash management front, CEIX ended the second quarter of 2020 with approximately $33 million of cash and cash equivalents on hand, compared to $78 million at the end of the first quarter of 2020. We also do not have any borrowings (excluding letters of credit) on our $400 million credit facility. Notable cash outflows during the quarter included approximately $19 million in cash interest payments (including semi-annual payment of approximately $10 million for our Second Lien), approximately $14 million in mandatory payments on our Term Loan A, Term Loan B and finance leases and approximately $8 million in transaction costs related to the recently completed amendment on our credit agreement.

"Despite the continued challenges for the coal markets in the second quarter, we are encouraged by recent trends in the marketplace," said Jimmy Brock, President and Chief Executive Officer of CONSOL Energy Inc. "As of now, we believe that May was the bottom for our coal shipments. June shipments were improved compared to May, and month-to-date July shipments indicate a significant improvement compared to June. Earlier this week, we also brought back one longwall at our Enlow Fork mine and are running the Bailey mine at a reduced capacity. Throughout the recent turmoil, I continue to be extremely impressed with the resilience of our team. We've adjusted our operating schedules to better align with market demand, reduced spending at both the operation and corporate levels, successfully negotiated multiple contract buyouts and amended our $400 million revolving credit facility in the second quarter to maintain access to liquidity. During these challenging times, we remain focused on protecting our balance sheet and liquidity."