SGS Colombia performed the drill program as well as a conceptual geological model and surface geology.

“The geology shows that the entire area has coal outcrops where the origin has a high calorific content and is mostly metallurgical,” it said, noting details would be forthcoming.

NCR said the SGS team, following several visits to the Vereda Salsipuedes, found four outcrops on the north end of the concession the producer owns, as well as two in the south end in the sector of the Quebrada La Bermeja.

“SGS projected the coal seams, with dips between 25 degrees west and 45 degrees west, span almost the entire NEWC concession,” the company said.

“They also found indications of a coal seam that borders the whole area of the concession from north to south as well as a central seam.”

The drill program establishes four drilling points of 300 meters each, with the first perforation to be inclined on the north end to establish density for the most promising seams and dips.

It is planning a second perforation on the south end, bordering Querbrada La Bermeja, and it will also be inclined.

The third and fourth holes will be in the center of the concession to find the property’s central seam.

Earlier this month NCR said its SGS-analyzed surface sampled hinted at the presence of high quality met coal.

As the two move ahead, president John Campo said NCR could not be happier with the work.

“[W]e look forward to begin drilling in the coming weeks to prove our reserves with an NI 43-101,” he said.

“We'll also be able to complete our environmental impact study to obtain an environmental permit as we wait for our work permit to be approved shortly.”

NCR has already submitted the mine’s works plan to the National Mining Agency.

Once the environmental impact study is submitted, officials said it believed it would be able to receive approval of the environmental license, which was the last step before beginning production.