JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – ASX-listed junior Australia Pacific Coal (APC) has identified a total coal resource estimate of 1.2-billion tonnes at its New South Wales-based Dartbrook coal mine, confirming the newly acquired mine as one of the largest underdeveloped coal operations in the Hunter Valley.
After last week’s move to acquire a 100% stake in Dartbrook, APC on Tuesday announced that it had commissioned geological consultants JB Mining Services to undertake an independent assessment to ascertain the resource estimate.
According to JB Mining, Dartbrook’s coal resource estimate comprises 446-million tonnes measured and 449-million indicated reserves, as well as inferred resources of 249-million tonnes, to a maximum depth of 350 m.
JB Mining’s coal quality analysis demonstrates Dartbrook’s ability to produce a range of thermal coal products between 10% and 18% ash on an air-dried basis. There is also potential to produce an 8% ash air-dried basis pulverized coal injection product from the Kayuga and Piercefield seams.
“This coal resource . . . reaffirms our long-held belief that Dartbrook is a tier-one mining asset that has the potential to create a significant number of job opportunities for the local community,” said APC CEO John Robinson.
He added that the high quality of Dartbrook’s coal would help meet global demand for low-ash premium coal., which would continue to play a critical rose in meeting future energy needs.