The NZ Department of Conservation issued the authority allowing Bathurst to begin earthworks and site preparation at Escarpment in readiness to move into full mining operations when global coking coal prices recover.

Initial works will consist of site clearing, establishing initial water management dams and drainage systems, installation of coal stockpile areas, site roads, and basic infrastructure including a site office and amenities.

“Coal production areas will be cleared and other earthworks will be undertaken to prepare the site to transition to steady state operations when economic conditions warrant full commercial production,” Bathhurst said.

Work is scheduled to begin from July 1.

Bathhurt expects to recover 35,000 tonnes of coal in the first 6 months of site works.

It will also send some coal to coke and steel producers in Japan, India and other Asian markets for trials.

Having gained authority to enter, Bathurst has lodged a bond with the Buller District Council, West Coast Regional Council and DOC.

The company will also be making its first payment as part of the $A22 million compensation package to DOC in the coming weeks.

Bathurst Resources managing director Hamish Bohannan said he was delighted to be able to start work at Escarpment.

“This initial construction phase is the important first step in developing a full scale export coking coal operation at Buller,” he said.

“It’s also a positive development for the West Coast community.”