Coal news and updates

Dartbrook coal hits the mark

Australian Pacific Coal has confirmed that thermal coal produced from its Dartbrook mine in NSW conforms to Newcastle coal specifications, strengthening the project’s export potential to key Asian markets.

A bulk sample was cut from Dartbrook’s Kayuga seam in mid-July and sent for laboratory testing, with results confirming the product meets the required specifications for the Newcastle coal benchmark, widely known as NEWC 6000.

Testing for metallurgical applications is ongoing, with updates expected in the near future.

“Confirmation of NEWC 6000 spec ensures we can market Dartbrook product to customers in key Asian export markets once we have completed the planned refurbishment of the CHPP (coal handling and preparation plant), which will be funded by the existing restart capex facility,” Australian Pacific Coal’s managing director and chief executive officer Ayten Saridas said.

“Following the major milestone of commissioning the conveyor system and successfully producing coal to surface, achieved in early September, Dartbrook has now entered the ramp-up phase. The Dartbrook JV is targeting commercial production of unwashed coal before the end of 2024.”

Australian Pacific Coal has been making strides in the restart of Dartbrook.

In September 2024, the company successfully achieved coal production to surface for the first time in years, a key milestone as the company targets full commercial production by the end of the year.

This was the first time the mine had produced coal since it was placed into care and maintenance in 2006 due to issues with operations and lower coal prices.

Run of mine (ROM) coal was produced following the completion and testing of a newly-installed 4km conveyor system.

Anglo American owned the Dartbrook mine until 2015 when it sold it to Australian Pacific Coal for $50 million.