Poplar Grove Operations Update
- Underground mining progressing well, with the coal face and roof support operations performing as expected. The mine development contractor has demobilised.
- Initial RoM coal volumes being brought to the surface are lower than forecast due to a new MSHA directive limiting operations to one loader.
- Consequently, the Company has decided to bring forward installation of the slope conveyor.
- Due to the installation of the slope conveyor first coal sales are now expected to be in the week of April 22.
- Despite delaying first coal sales, bringing forward installation of the slope conveyor will eliminate the haulage bottleneck currently limiting the mine's production ramp-up.
- Underground connection to the intake ventilation shaft will be made this week, allowing the establishment of the permanent ventilation system.