CoAL’s current plan is that work on the Makhado site will begin during the second semester of 2016, followed by a 26 month build program with first coal produced during 2019.

It is planned that both hard coking coal and thermal coal will be produced from the Makhado project for export and domestic consumption.

Initially the operation will be an opencast mine, with potential for expansion to an underground operation in future years.

DRA’s recent award follows its earlier role on the Makhado project for CoAL in the preparation of the Definitive Feasibility Study of the coal processing and handling facilities, completed in early 2013.

The scope of the Optimisation and FEED assignment expands this earlier role by DRA to now include the infrastructure components of the project, and also the integration of the work of a number of specialist consultants.

DRA CEO Paul Thomson said: “It is especially pleasing to be awarded this next phase of the investigation and development of the Makhado coal project.

“Our early interaction with CoAL began in 2010 with initial studies and the new award is testament to the sound relationship established between our two organisations and our respective project teams.

“A key requirement of the Optimisation Study and FEED phase will be the identification of appropriate cost reduction opportunities to help optimise the economics of the project in the current challenging market.

“DRA and its key staff have had many years’ experience in the design and delivery of “fit-for-purpose” yet high performance project in coal and other commodities.

“We will apply this experience and skill fully to the Makhado project.”