Atrum Coal identifies promising anthracite targets in British Columbia

Atrum Coal (ASX:ATU) has identified three new anthracite targets from the 2016 exploration program at its Panorama North Anthracite Project in British Columbia, Canada.

The company is pursuing the project along with its joint venture partner Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC).

Importantly, the physical and chemical testing of intersected anthracite seams exhibit the potential to produce low-ash, high-grade anthracite products.

Anthracite is the highest grade of coal, with fewest impurities and the highest energy content of all coals.

Panorama North is positioned on the southern extent of the Groundhog Coalfield, within the Bowser Basin in northwest British Columbia.

The property is located 15 kilometres southwest of Atrum’s flagship Groundhog North Mining Complex.

The exploration in 2016 included field mapping and completing a total of 1,194 metres of drilling.

The washability simulations of the coal seams indicated the potential product qualities of the target seams at Panorama North to be very similar to those at Groundhog North.

Atrum will undertake further exploration in 2017 to better understand the resource potential of Panorama North.

The company is in the final stages of planning the 2017 program, and has confirmed a work program and budget with its partner JOGMEC.

The drilling at Panorama North is expected to recommence in early Q3 2017.

Meanwhile, the Groundhog North Project continues to be the primary focus for Atrum.

Atrum is planning to be back on site at Groundhog North during winter, to extract additional samples for North Asian steel mills and industrial customers.

The company is aiming to complete drilling at Groundhog North to underpin a reserve statement ahead of a definitive feasibility study.

Story by ProactiveInvestors