The drilling will target two new potential coal seams and, if successful, follow up drilling will be considered to define the east/west strike of these seams. Infill drilling is planned to gather further data for the creation of an exploration target and a potential JORC resource.

Technical issues arose for the company in Newera’s initial program to test the washability of sample material collected from within the Shanagan project. Due to the severity of winter conditions during drilling, the coal material sent for testing may have been frozen and therefore, compromised.

Newera has engaged Sedgman Limited, an Australian company specializing in coal-handling and preparation plants, to assist in ensuring the wash-testing design is the most effective for Newera’s coal type. Sedgman recommends drilling one additional core hole located next to a previous one in the summer.

Otherwise focused on Australian uranium exploration, Newera expanded its portfolio into the Asian country early last year.

It has completed two initial drilling programs to test identified coal seams and search for other coal seams at depth. Following positive results and discoveries of high-end black coal, Newera is planning a third drilling program of about 15 holes.