COAL: Donkin project gets go-ahead

NOVA SCOTIA – The Donkin coal project has received a positive decision from Nova Scotia's minister of environment, Hon. Sterling Beliveau. Federal approval was announced a week ago, and 25% partner Morien Resources Corp. of Halifax says the project has all of the necessary environmental approvals to advance toward full production. The 75% partner and operator is Glencore Xstrata.

The Donkin project in Cape Breton has a probable reserve of  58 million tonnes, enough for 30 years of production at a full rate of 2.75 million t/y saleable low ash, high energy coking and thermal coal. The pre-feasibility study was completed in May 2011, and the mine is permitted for underground development at a rate of 2,000 t/d. With the final environmental approvals in place, first commercial production is expected next year. Targeted production of 3.1 million t/y is expected by 2019.

All the details are on the Morien website, MorienRes.com.