• Project Identification
  • Exploration
  • Resource Definition
  • Mine Feasibility
  • Mine Development
  • Operating Mine
Location:
25km west and northwest of the town Emerald
Basin:
Bowen
Area:
558km2
Target Coal:
PCI / Thermal
Summary:
Scout drilling to be conducted in 2012/2013 drilling campaign

OVERVIEW

The West Emerald Project is located 25km west and northwest of the town of Emerald under multiple EPCs and covers an area approximately 500km2.

The West Emerald EPCs target the down dip and strike extensions to the existing Taroborah (188Mt) an Valeria (762Mt) Coal Deposits.

DESKTOP STUDY

In 2012 Cuesta completed a geological review of EPC 2093.  Historically, a total of 19 holes were explored with all of the holes open and a combination of lithological and geophysical logging recorded.  The seams intersected in the tenement area consist of Anakie, Capella, Llandillo and Gardiner Seams.  Outside of the project area, the Llandillo and Gardiner Seams are known to be rich in vitrinite and contain coking properties.

HISTORIC DRILLING

Coal was first intersected in the regional area of the tenements in the late 1960’s and exploration focused on Resource definition of earlier discoveries of thick coking coal intersections. Exploration included scout drilling over the West Emerald Project area with numerous coal intersections encountered, predominately north and south of the Taroborah Deposit and immediately south of the Valeria Deposit. Historic coal quality data suggest that the majority of the seams produce an export thermal / PCI Coal product. Additionally, seams such as the Capella and Anakie at the Valeria Deposit, develop coking coal properties.

Historic coal quality data suggests that the majority of the seams produce an export thermal / PCI coal product.  Additionally, seams such as the Capella and Anakie at the Valeria Deposit, develop coking coal properties.

A review of the historic drilling has uncovered multiple drill holes in the north east corner of EPC 2093 that all intersected coal down to 150m.

Cuesta has outlined a drill program to be completed at EPC 2093 with an aim to define a maiden resource in the area. 

INFRASTRUCTURE

The West Emerald project is located in close proximity to major coal deposits, being Taroborah and Valeria (Rio Tinto). Emerald itself has a significant local workforce of skilled personnel already established in the mining and related industries. The Kestrel mine located 35km to the east of the West Emerald Project is currently producing 4.2Mt of coking and thermal coal exporting through the Port of Gladstone.