Mastermyne Group has been selected by Constellation Mining Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of QCoal Group, to operate its Cook Colliery metallurgical coal mine in Central Queensland, Australia.

The project will be restarted over two distinct phases with the first phase commencing immediately, according to Mastermyne.

The Stage 1 works will see the company re-commence the underground operations including bringing the operation out of care and maintenance and transitioning back into production. Stage 1 works will include re-commissioning of underground infrastructure, overhauling of mining equipment, establishment of production panels and all other associated administrative and procurement works. Stage 1 works are scheduled to commence immediately and be completed by late this calendar year.

The Cook Colliery was previously owned and operated by Bounty Mining, which went into administration after placing the operation in care and maintenance at the end of 2019. QCoal then acquired the asset in 2020.

In parallel to the Stage 1 works, the parties will finalise a Mining Services Contract for the underground operations (Stage 2). The expected contract value will be determined and communicated once negotiations for Stage 2 are complete, Mastermyne said.

Mastermyne, in conjunction with QCoal, has carried out a review of the mine and the previous mining methods used. The new planned mining areas and operational methods chosen have been based on a thorough assessment of the risks and opportunities, it said. The parties are confident that a measured, low risk approach will deliver consistent results over the extended contract term.

The company will provide further information to the market as the contract process progresses.

Mastermyne CEO, Tony Caruso, said: “QCoal is a very experienced and well-regarded mining organisation that is well known for developing high-quality assets utilising both owner-operated, and contractor-operated models. Both organisations have carefully considered the mining conditions and are confidently progressing with this project using the right methodology and under the right contracting model, which will result in a successful project for all parties.

“We are pleased to be commencing the Stage 1 works, and we look forward to building a long-term successful relationship with QCoal as we recommence mining operations at Cook Colliery.”