Cascade Coal Pty Ltd
- Operation acquired in June 2005 and provided Eastern with its first operating cashflow
- Production of low ash, low sulphur, high energy coal for domestic markets.
The Cascade open cut coal mine is located in the historic Buller coalfields region near Westport on the South Island of New Zealand.
Cascade produces a commercially attractive coal, low in ash and sulphur with
a high calorific value. While not a stand alone coking coal, it is an excellent
blend coking coal due to its low ash and contaminants. Its characteristics are
also ideal for niche markets such as the production of silicon metals.
Typical Cascade coal properties:
2-3.5%
0.31-0.55%
36-39.5%
By Diff
8065 Kcal/kg
91.6%
2.3-8%
Click the map for a larger version
The resource is contained in a seam up to 9 metres thick which lies within a few metres of the surface.
Production at Cascade increased from 40,000 tonnes per year prior to acquisition to 55,000 tonnes in the first year of operation under Eastern. The entire offtake is now under contract to several major industrial users in the West Coast and Canterbury regions.
Cascade provides Eastern with a valuable operational presence near the potentially larger coal resource at Whareatea West.
