Erdene Resource Development Corporation has announced an update on the Donkin Export Coking Coal Project located on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia in Canada. The Donkin Project is owned through a 75:25 JV between Xstrata Coal Donkin Limited and Erdene with Xstrata recently announcing their intent to sell their entire interest.
The Environmental Impact Statement for the Donkin Project was filed on July 16th 2012 with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency by Stantec Inc, on behalf of Xstrata Donkin Coal Management Limited. In association with the filing, Xstrata hosted community meetings in both Donkin and Sydney, Nova Scotia. The objective of these meetings was to provide the public with an opportunity to learn more about the Donkin Project and the environmental assessment process.
The Donkin Project is subject to both the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and Nova Scotia's Environment Act and is undergoing a cooperative environmental assessment process. It is anticipated that this process will conclude by the second quarter, 2013 with a decision from the federal and provincial environment ministers.
The Donkin Project proposal includes the construction and operation of an underground coal mine with a lifespan in excess of 30 years. Underground operations would include multiple continuous miners producing approximately 3.6 million tonnes per annum of run of mine coal. A coal handling and processing plant capable of processing the ROM coal will be constructed to produce approximately 2.75 million tonnes per annum of product coal suitable for international coking coal markets as well as international and domestic thermal coal markets. It is anticipated that the coal will be transported to international markets via a newly constructed barge to ship load out facility.
CEAA and the Nova Scotia environment department are inviting comments from the public on the proposed Donkin Project. Written comments must be sent by September 14th 2012.
Source - Erdene Resource Development Corporation
(www.coalguru.com)
