The raw coal laboratory tests confirm good coking properties in all holes tested, being DDKK0001, DDKK0002, DDKK0003 & DDKK0005.

Most sample results show Free Swell Index (FSI) numbers in the range of 7.5-9.5, indicating good coking potential. 60 of the 63 samples analysed from these drill holes show FSI levels greater than 4.5, which is typically assessed as a threshold for coking coal.

Compared to neighbouring Kargasha, Kokkia FSI's are an average 1-1.5 points higher. Sulphur content appears slightly higher than Kargasha but previous Kargasha float/sink testing suggests sulphur levels can be reduced by coal washing.

Executive chairman Alex Molyneux said: “Recognising the potential of the Kokkia area for coking coal, we decided to do a significant amount of work there in the 2013 exploration season.

“The test results confirm our contention that the coking properties are even better on that side of the deposit so the work we did has certainly improved the quality of our Uzgen Basin Coking Coal Project.

“Integration of this work into our ongoing mining studies is underway, and the results are being communicated to potential off-take partners.”