The Vancouver-based company, which already holds precious and base metal properties in North and South America, said it was in talks to secure coal leases with near and long-term production potential.
“Currently the most significant negotiation involves the potential purchase of an operating mining permit currently producing metallurgical-grade coal in Kentucky,” officials said.
“This project was also selected for the development potential on the adjacent coal leases. If successful, Solitaire would become the operator of the metallurgical coal mine once the permit transfer process is complete, which on average takes approximately one month for completion.”
Solitaire initially announced plans to establish a subsidiary late last month, but did not indicate the division’s formal name.
It noted at the time that its work at the Summit Lake project (adjacent to Imperial Metal’s Red Chris) would continue this summer along with an airborne survey and ground program.
Aside from Summit Lake, Solitaire’s other projects include Riou Lake, C&D Blocks, Chukuni, Mystery Island, Red Lake North, Laternal Lake and Pinaya.