The company said 169Mt of the 309Mt are measured with the balance indicated. The underground resources remain the same at 198Mt of measured, inferred and indicated resources; and drilling is continuing in the underground areas.

Detailed mine planning for a 10Mtpa, 25-year life-of-mine is nearing completion, which when finalised will see much of the above resources converted to reserves.

Felix said marketing of this coal to several key potential customers had commenced, with existing customers showing strong interest by increasing requirements from 2008 onwards.

A final feasibility study will be completed over the next three months with construction of the open cut envisaged to commence early in calendar 2007, with first exports in the second half of 2008.