The operation will continue to rapidly ramp up as planned to a rate of about 2 million tonnes per annum in Q4 2017.

Initial coal sales will meet product specification as a bypass crushed thermal product.

The coal production has been in conjunction with bulk earthworks required for the rehabilitation of the prior operations towards a final landform as defined in the Environmental Authority.

“The dragline overhaul is continuing as planned with the dragline being placed back into operation before the end of the month,” TerraCom said.

“Similarly, the recommission of the coal handling process plant continues on plan with a scheduled recommencement mid-October 2017.”