The Buller project’s exploration potential is conceptually in the order of 50 and 90 million tonnes of coking and thermal coal. Studies show it should be developed as an open cut operation that could be in production within 18-24 months.
Coal from the Buller region has low ash and also has high fluidity with majority of production suitable for export to overseas steel making industries. The Buller project includes a portfolio of advanced near-surface coal deposits and open cut mining access. In addition, the project includes a pipeline of brown-field and advanced exploration prospects with two permits covering over 100sqkm in the coalfield, the company said.
Bathurst is conducting a due diligence review on the Buller project. The company has signed an agreement with L&M Coal to form a joint venture and ultimately acquire an outstanding hard coking coal asset in the Buller Coalfield in New Zealand through the acquisition of 100% of L&M Coal.
