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The underground continuous miner operation will begin producing at about 50,000 tonnes of coal per month rising to 100,000t by the end of 2007.
“In less than 12 months, we have successfully negotiated the acquisition of the Cook Mine from Xstrata, completed detailed engineering studies, obtained financing, completed mine re-commissioning and commenced commercial production on budget,” Caledon chairman Robert Alford said.
Operations have begun in the Argo seam at a depth of approximately 165m, using a Voest-Alpine ABM 20 bolter-miner and a continuous miner capable of handling seam heights of up to 4.5m.
A coal production rate of 1.5 million tonnes per annum is expected to be achieved in 2008, through the implementation of continuous bolter-miner equipment paired with continuous haulage systems.
“The Cook Mine has become a significant employer for the region with 70 minesite employees, expected to increase to over 100 in the near future,” Alford said.
Caledon currently has a detailed mine plan for the next 10 years and intends to increase the mine plan to approximately 20 years.
