Data from a feasibility study which has been substantially completed suggests the site’s originally targeted coal sale figures are achievable.

Pan Asia chief executive Alan Hopkins told ILN the company would have the study reviewed by a third party which would take some weeks.

“This is a major milestone for the company with our flagship project receiving such a positive independent review,” he said.

Earlier this month, Pan Asia increased the TCM’s JORC-compliant resource to 128.8 million tonnes of coal and projected sales of 1.5-2Mt per annum over an initial 15-year mine life.

Ongoing drilling on the immediately adjacent northern area of TCM will refine the mine plan and is expected to increase sellable tonnages.

Drilling which began in early April is aimed at either extending the mine plan to the north or establishing a second independent mine.

Development of the TCM is on track to be completed at the end of 2012.

Pan Asia has a 75% interest in the project with local partners acquiring the remaining 25% stake.