Progress continues at Nuurstei coal project

According to the optimisation work, Nuurstei could comprise a shallow multi-seam opencast mining operation with a low strip ration – particularly in the eastern part of the licence area.

Independent mining geologists, McElroy Bryan Geological Services (MBGS), are now undertaking additional drilling to convert deposit tones from the JORC Inferred to JORC Indicated categories, as well as testing deposit extensions.

The current resource statement includes 4.75 million t of indicated resources and 8.1 million t of inferred resources.

“While tonnages falling into the JORC resource catagories are modest, the Nuurstei project presents as a commercial-scale pilot project for logistics and market development for other coking coals from northern Mongolia before rail access is established,” said David Paull, Aspire’s Managing Director.

The ECJV will now apply for a mining licence over the Nuurstei project, giving the joint venture tenure over the property for 30 years.

The ECJV has also agreed to commence a scoping study at Nuurstei. This will include input from an international mining contractor on mining costs and a logistics provider on transportation costs of Nuurstei coal into the Chinese rail system, as well as float sink test work to assist with preliminary flowsheet design and operations and capital cost estimates.