The certificate from the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office also approves future development of a new coal rail load-out at Falling Creek Flats in the Pine River Valley, along with associated roads and power lines.
The company said it would decide whether to develop and operate the Brule Mine Project in a manner similar to the operation at the Dillon Mine if PCI coal prices and transportation costs will support the development, and the necessary permits are obtained.
The company estimates that with minimal additional capital, production at the Brule Mine could be up to 1Mtpa.
The company is now working to identify areas of high quality coal that can be accessed by a low stripping ratio and could be mined and processed using the existing Dillon Mine plant facilities. This would enable the Brule Mine Project to continue production from the Burnt River properties following the depletion of Dillon Mine reserves in late 2006.
