Overburden mining contractor CBQ will perform open pit overburden mining services and has already started the mobilisation of mining equipment to the BBM site. 

CBQ, established in 2011, has operated in various overburden removal projects in Java and East Kalimantan.

Cokal chairman Domenic Martino said the existing mining services contract with HPU remained in place.

"Cokal's intention is to utilise HPU as a mining services provider subsequent to the initial commencement of production at BBM," he said.

"At this time, HPU would supplement the ongoing contract mining services provided by CBQ."

Martino said the appointment of CBQ would help reduce costs, increase annual production potential, and Cokal undertaking its own coal mining operations.

He said it also created the potential for increased annual production capacity from utilisation of both of BBM's mining contractors and ensured the BBM mine could be developed on time and that initial saleable production was able to be delivered by the September 2022 forecast.