Total run of mine coal production from the longwall and development activities was 975,000 tonnes for the quarter – a 29% increase on the previous corresponding period.
Saleable coal production for the December quarter was 441,000t.
The longwall retreated a total of 1015m in the Upper Liddell seam during the quarter.
The Upper Liddell seam yield averaged 44.1% during the quarter, lower than expected as the seam contains a number of stone bands and the seam has thinned in the current panel, resulting in the longwall mining some roof and floor rock.
The longwall is scheduled to return to the Pikes Gully seam in about mid-2013 to complete the final panel after it completes the current panel in the Upper Liddell seam.
It will return to the Upper Liddell seam to commence the second panel after mining is completed in Pikes Gully.
The Bowmans Creek diversion was completed during the quarter with water now flowing through the reconstructed creek.
More than 16,000 trees planted along the banks of the diversion as part of the rehabilitation process are doing well due to ongoing irrigation of the diversion area, according to the company.
A review of the project was conducted following its completion to ensure all of the original design criteria were met.
The NSW Planning Assessment Commission granted approval of Ashton’s South East open cut project in October 2012 but on November 15 the Hunter Environment Lobby lodged a merits appeal against the approval in the NSW Land and Environment Court.
“Ashton Coal Operations Pty Limited will defend this appeal,” the company said.
“The process is expected to take several months with a decision from the court subject to the court’s timetable.”
In the interim a steering committee has been formed to undertake preparatory work associated with the project.
“This work will ensure that development of the project can be commenced as soon as all of the required approvals are in place,” the company said.
“The timing for first coal from the project remains uncertain and dependent upon the outcome of the appeal and completing several subsidiary approvals which are required before mining can commence.”
