Name and Location
Kodiak coking coal project, Alabama, US.

Client
Attila Resources.

Project Description
A prefeasibility study (PFS) on the Kodiak project has confirmed the economic viability of the project. The project has proven and probable reserves of 48.19-million tonnes. The PFS envisions mining the Coke and Atkins coals seams using underground room and pillar mining methods, the existing portals and a portion of the underground workings in the Coke No 1 mine, which was closed in December 2008.

An expansion of the mine portal area and the development of additional mains are envisioned in the mine plan.

The preproduction phase will consist of the rehabilitation of existing entries and the development of new entries to the point at which the original south-east mains in the Coke No 1 mine advanced. From this point, two sets of parallel main entries will be developed to the south-east boundary of the Gurnee property, from which submains and development panels will be developed across the seams.

Access to the Atkins coal seam will be gained by driving a decline from the Coke coal seam and then developing two sets of parallel main entries that are congruent with the overlying Coke mains, also from which submains and development panels will be developed across the seams.

Retreat mining is incorporated in the mine plan for those areas of the two coal seams having less than 610 m of cover. Three shafts are also included in the mine plan – two will be return shafts, and one will be a combined intake and a man and materials shaft. The additional shafts have been incorporated to ensure that the mine is adequately ventilated.

Three dual-miner sections are proposed for operation in each of the Coke and Atkins coal seams, with each section consisting of two continuous miners, three haulage cars, two roof bolters and the requisite support equipment.

Run-of-mine coal will be transported from the mine portal to the two-million-tonne-a year preparation plant by a relatively short overland conveyor system.

Value
The PFS estimates the project at $181.3-million.

Duration
Not stated.

Latest Developments
Attila has gained entry into the underground workings at the historic Coke No 1 mine, after receiving approval from the Mining Safety and Health Administration.

After inspection, the existing portals at Coke No 1 have been found to be in excellent condition, with minimal roof and floor preparation required.

The primary ventilation circuit has also been re-established.

Attila will proceed with routine preparations for a bulk-sampling programme.

The Kodiak definitive feasibility study is scheduled for completion in the December quarter of this year.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Attila Resources, tel +61 8 6142 0989, fax +61 8 9388 8824 or email admin@attilaresources.com.