An initial coal intercept of 2-3m in thickness at a depth of about 100m has prompted further drilling at two additional locations 1km north and south of the maiden strike.

The Perth-based explorer said results from its latest hole south of primary target area had so far indicated an intercept of 1-2m coal thickness at about 100m depth.

The program began in late June and planned to include 31 drill sites along seven lines targeting the discovery of coal seams over three drilling areas which cover 20km of strike length in the Canning Basin.

The Canning Basin has an areal extent 2.5 times the size of Queensland’s Bowen Basin and has been significantly underexplored due to its remoteness and lack of geological data.

TPL holds 16 granted exploration licences and four licence applications in the area.

It noted that the basin’s proximity to India and China made it more attractive since the Asian countries began increasing thermal coal imports.