The resource is contained within the Mangatini Seam at a depth of approximately 70–85m below surface and is being targeted for potential underground mining.
Results from initial coal quality testing have indicated a range of coals from coking coal to a high ash thermal coal.
“Further exploration and coal quality testing is required, however, to gain a better understanding of what product tonnes can be mined from the resource which has been identified to date,” the company said.
Currently only 40% of the Whareatea West Exploration Permit has been explored and there is potential to increase the initial coal resource.
The Whareatea West resource is 5km south east of Eastern’s Cascade coal mine, one of the company’s two coal operations in NZ.
