CNX presented at the ASX Small to Midcap Conference in New York today, stating that the preliminary design plan for the Malpun project has been completed, and that the FEED for above-ground infrastructure was commenced in September 2010 and is due to be completed in May 2010. Orders for UCG panel casing have been placed, and a seismic study has been completed with confirmation of boreholes in progress. The drilling plan has been completed, and is due to go out to tender with a view to start drilling the panels in June/July 2011. Clearly these projects are quicker to get off the ground when government steps out of the way!
The Chilean Government granted all necessary approvals for the Malpun project in September last year. Likewise, the Turkish Government has already approved the Amasra project. Approvals for the Wyoming project will be sought during 2012 in parallel with development of the Green River resource to establish the 500MT JORDC target and identify a specific project site. Not sure about the North Dakota project. The joint CNX-Adani bid for Indian UCG blocks should be considered by the Indian Government over coming months, but even if succsessful, it looks to be a longer-term prospect than the other projects. Queensland (ah, Queensland) has provided approval for up to 30MW of energy production on MDL374 (Bloodwood Creek) as part of the trial, with any further progress conditional and subject to successful ignition of panel two, commissioning of the 5MW plant, and successful ignition of panel 3.
Like LNC before it, CNX is clearly using Queensland to prove-up its technology before exporting it overseas. Smart State indeed...
CNX Price at posting:
32.5¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held