The strip ratio increased during 2018 because mining in Pit 1, which had a relatively low strip ratio, came to an end. All the coal in Pit 1 was mined out by mid-2018. This necessitated the transition to Pit 3, a new pit with a higher strip ratio. The combination of Pit 3 and Pit 2 resulted in an overall increase in the strip ratio of slightly more than 7%. Along with this increase in strip ratio, the mine also saw an increase in the haul distances for coal and overburden, which is typical when there is a transition to a new pit.