The junior set a total exploration target of 2.5-3.5 billion tonnes by December last month with the drilling program targeting the Bundi, Norwood, Miles North and Miles east project areas.

 

These areas are considered highly prospective for underground coal mining and also close to planned rail infrastructure.

 

“It is disappointing that we have had to delay the start of the 30-hole program but with so much rain in the area it has been impossible to mobilise the drill rigs,” MetroCoal chief executive Mike O’Brien said.

 

“We are fortunate that our drill contractor, Depco, have supported us with the timing and planning and we look forward to confirming a start date in early April.”

 

MetroCoal announced an initial inferred resource of 58 million tonnes at the Bundi project in late January, based on data from Queensland Mines and Energy, data swaps with other companies and MetroCoal’s own drilling program.

 

O’Brien was general manager of the South Bulli longwall mine in 1991-92.

 

MetroCoal shares are up 1c to 19.5c this morning.