Cokal also has an approved mining license and full environmental approval for up to 6 million tonnes per annum of coal extraction.

An initial area of about 1242ha has been approved by the Forestry Department covering the operation of the port, haul road and the initial mine site.

In accordance with standard Mining Department practice, the initial operational area is reviewed by the Department and extended as required to meet the planned mine development, Cokal chairman Peter Lynch said.

“We are pleased that the final stage of the forestry permitting process is now complete,” he said.

“With the delays in finalising the permitting process, behind us, we can now look to the future and focus our efforts on the delivery of BBM.

“After the establishment of the initial 2Mtpa operation we have the ability to expand up to potentially a 6Mtpa of premium coking coal operation and this considerably increases our confidence in the success of this project and consequently bringing increased value to shareholders.”