The mine began production in the Herrin No. 6 coal seam with five entries into a highwall in August of 2006.

The Prairie Eagle Portal is recognized as one of the most efficient underground mines in the country. With the initial cut opened in 2006, this drift mine accesses reserves approximately 100 feet below the surface. The mine is a room and pillar operation utilizing three super section units, producing 2.5 million tons per year.

Knight Hawk plans to open the American Eagle Portal located five miles east of the Prairie Eagle Portal. Like Prairie Eagle, this operation will be a room and pillar mine with the capability to support an additional three super section units. This portal, along with the Prairie Eagle portal, will allow Knight Hawk to access the balance of the 100 million ton reserve while retaining the flexibility to increase production based on market conditions.

More than 70 percent of the 5 million tons of coal produced at Knight Hawk Coal annually is processed at the Prairie Eagle Preparation Plant. Opened in 2005 and expanded in 2012, it processes 900 tons per hour utilizing heavy media cyclones. Two automated truck load-outs near the plant can move 2,000 tons of coal per hour. The Prairie Eagle Prep Plant also produces a stoker product which accounts for approximately 10% of the washed product. With a 5,000 ton silo and adjacent stacking tube, Prairie Eagle can maintain a live storage capacity of 50,000 tons.