Geological Setting, Deposit Types and Mineralization.
The coal deposits in the eastern USA are the oldest and most extensively developed coal deposits in the country. The coal-bearing formations on the properties are Carboniferous in age, being in the Pennsylvanian system, which includes the Monongahela, Conemaugh, Alleghany, and Upper Pottsville groups. These coal-bearing formations contain two-fifths of the nation’s bituminous coal deposits, extend over 900 miles from northern Alabama to Pennsylvania, and are part of what is known as the Appalachian Basin. The Appalachian Basin is more than 250 miles wide and in some portions, contains over 60 coal seams of varying economic significance. Seams are typically between 1 foot and 6 feet in thickness, with relatively little structural deformation. Coal in the region is classified as high- to low-volatile bituminous with rank increasing to the east. Coals are typically characterized as low to medium sulfur and high heat content.

The geology of the properties is consistent with regional trends. In Maryland, the local Casselman synclinal fold is evident in the Casselman mine. Coal seams of economic importance on the properties typically range from 1 foot to 6 feet in thickness and are primarily low-volatile in rank. There are 11 coal seams on the properties that demonstrate reserve or resource potential including (not all of which are included within the NAPP Technical Report), in descending stratigraphic order: Se ........

NAPP will operate the Casselman North Mine. The underground mine will utilize the room and pillar mining method.

The Casselman North mine is scheduled to begin production in 2025. This mine is a metallurgical coal operation on leased mineral property. Production is scheduled for 255 days each year, which represents production on Monday through Friday. On each day, one production section is scheduled to produce coal on two shifts; the third shift is reserved for maintenance and mine conveyor belt and power moves. The sections are configured as regular sections with one continuous miner available for production on each section. Productivity is planned at the rate of 250 feet of advance per shift of operation.

Coal is extracted from the production face with the continuous miner and hauled to the mine conveyor in shuttle cars or via continuous haulage. At the conveyor belt, the coal is discharged onto a feeder breaker for transfer onto the conveyor. The conveyors carry the coal to the outside, where it is stacked on the ground to await truck transport to the preparation plant and load-out.

Expected annual production averages approximately 618,000 marketable tons.

- subscription is required.