The five holes at the 8897-hectare site in the northern region of the province were drilled to about 200–300m, with cores indicating seams in the range of 1–8m in thickness. Each is being logged and the samples are under the oversight of the project’s geology team.

Drilling is being concentrated to a specific quadrant area measuring 5 square kilometres per the company’s initial mine plan.

West Hawk warned the findings were only visual and were subject to “detailed analytical work”.

“Multiple coal intercepts were encountered in all five core holes that have been drilled as part of the company's current exploration program for 2008,” officials said of the progress.

“Drillhole 4 has encountered the largest coal intercept at an approximate eight-metre thickness.”

Also pending analysis are the testing results for the coal’s characteristics, including rank, sulfur content and potential coking characteristics. In the meantime, consultant Weir International remains onsite at the property for technical assistance as the second half of the program begins.

“The drilling program is proceeding quickly,” said West Hawk managing director of Canadian operations Roger Baer.

“The team that is onsite has been excellent, and we are looking forward to the results.”

In July, West Hawk outlined a four-seasons baseline environmental study to take place over the next 12 months and said it had “no interest” in coal bed methane as part of its plans for Groundhog’s exploration and development.

Earlier this year West Hawk said it had selected Weir for another of its upcoming projects, a new acquisition in Oklahoma and Arkansas.

The Illinois consultant will perform an independent reserve study for the property as part of West Hawk’s due diligence procedure for a business venture with FEV announced earlier this year.