Cokal continues drilling at J seam

By Andi Istrada

ASX-listed Cokal Limited recently stated it continues the focus of exploration efforts on the J seam of Bumi Barito Mineral (BBM) concession in Central Kalimantan to determine the full extent of the in-situ low ash. The drilling results also continue to convert the previously estimated Exploration Target1 of 200 to 350 million tons (Mt) into Coal Resources in accordance with the JORC Code.

"The ?J? Seam is one of thirteen seams which have been mapped on surface outcrops at the BBM project. The discovery of the ?J? Seam is of particular significance since all samples have returned CSN of 9 or greater. A portion of the ?J? Seam Resource exhibits a very low in-situ ash content (around 5%) which means the coal is likely to be mined and direct shipped without the need for processing through a coal washery. This will save considerable capital and operating cost," the company said in a statement made available for the exchange.

The Ash content of the J Seam increased towards the East from the initial discovery point, due to the development of a thin stone parting within the coal seam. The Ash content gradually rose from 5% to about 12%. When the Ash content exceeded 9%, the coal was washed at Float 1.60gm/cc and the results consistently returned a greater than 85% yield (recovery) with ash levels around 5%.

Previously, Cokal ungraded its total Coal Resources to 77Mt (7Mt Indicated & 70Mt Inferred Resources) for the BBM Project with the inclusion of the Resource estimation for the J Seam. The 17Mt Resource estimate for the J Seam included 7Mt of Indicated Resources and a further 10Mt of Inferred Resources to the 60Mt of Inferred Resources for the B, C and Seams previously reported.

Editing Er Audy Zandri