PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Coal project developer Atrum Coal has revealed plans to advance its Groundhog North project, in Canada, during this year.
The company on Tuesday said it plans to submit an application for a small mine permit this year, to enable Atrum to start commercial operations at a rate of 250 000 t/y.
Atrum was also hoping to sell some 250 000 t of anthracite through its export sales joint venture with Atlantic Carbon Group.
“We expect 2017 to be a productive year for Atrum as we conduct additional drilling at Groundhog North to underpin a reserve statement and future definitive feasibility study, as well as provide product samples of ultrahigh-grade anthracite for customers in Asia, Europe and South America,” said director James Chisholm.
In addition, the company is also hoping to appoint a new CEO and nonexecutive board directors during the current quarter.
Atrum is considering the development of a low-cost starter mine at the Groundhog North project, producing some 880 000 t/y of ultrahigh-grade anthracite.
Capital costs for the starter mine have been estimated at some $142-million, of which 64% will likely be funded by third parties.