A proposed bulk sample operation for Vitrinite’s Callan coking coal project is moving through the federal approvals pipeline.

The company wants to extract a bulk sample of 942kt of coal from a target area within the project, 27km east of Dysart, over a period of two years.

It estimates that this work would employ 166 personnel on a 7/7 rotating roster and 10 personnel on a 9-day fortnight roster.

The primary objectives are to:

• Test coal quality and confirm product specifications through CHPP beneficiation and as a screened/unscreened product; and
• Form the basis of a marketing plan to support future Callan coking coal products into the market.

‘Whilst exploration works have provided valuable data and analysis, bulk sampling represents a critical step towards a more comprehensive evaluation of Callan coking coal as a full-scale operation,’ documents supporting the application state.

‘Bulk sampling will enable Vitrinite to undertake the range of mining techniques, coal treatment, product assessments and market evaluation required to adequately scope long-term design parameters and make informed decisions on economic viability.’

The bulk sampling project is proposed to commence in the second half of 2025, with two truck and excavator fleets working on a 24/7 continuous roster.

Related: Vitrinite’s Vulcan South mine plans advance

The footprint of the proposed open-cut pit is about 35ha. It will extend to a maximum depth of 60m, targeting the Phillips and Leichhardt seams.

Sitting between the Middlemount and Lake Vermont coal operations, the Callan project is also near Vitrinite’s producing Vulcan coal complex.

The bulk sampling project’s referral under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Protection Act is now open for public comment until March 28.

Should the results of this work identify that a full-scale mining operation is viable, then a new referral would be submitted to bring that mine online.

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