The estimate comprises 588 million tonnes and 850Mt in the Measured and Indicated categories respectively, a total of 1.4Bt, based on the area of the exploration licenses to the depth that has been modelled.

Coal washability analysis demonstrates the option to produce a range of thermal coal products between 10% to 20% ash and the potential to produce 9% ash pulverised coal injection coal from the Piercefield and Kayuga seams.

AusPac CEO John Robinson said the resource statement confirmed Dartbrook as one of the largest underdeveloped coal deposits in the Hunter Valley. 

“This reaffirms our long-held belief that Dartbrook is a tier one surface mining asset that has the potential to create a significant number of job opportunities for the local community,” he said.

“The high energy, low emission quality of Dartbrook’s coal will also help meet global demand for Australian low ash premium thermal coal, which will continue to play a critical role in reducing greenhouse emissions whilst at the same time meeting future energy needs.”