The contract was awarded to Mastermyne by QCoal subsidiary Constellation Mining.

Cook Colliery was added to QCoal’s portfolio when it acquired Bounty Mining last year.

Bounty Mining entered voluntary administration in December 2019, placing the mine on care and maintenance.

Mastermyne will conduct stage one works at Cook Colliery, which includes bringing the mothballed site out of care and maintenance and returning it to production.

This will involve the re-commissioning of underground infrastructure, overhauling of mining equipment, establishment of production panels, and administrative and procurement works.

Mastermyne expects the works to be completed in late 2021.

“We are very pleased to be working with QCoal Group on the Cook Colliery Project,” Mastermyne chief executive officer 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,”

Mastermyne and QCoal have completed a comprehensive review of Cook Colliery and its previous mining methods.

Both companies are also working towards completion of a contract for stage 2 works at the site once negotiations are completed.

“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,” Caruso said.

“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.”

The stage 1 works have commenced immediately with underground mining methods set to bring promising results.

“The new planned mining areas and operational methods chosen have been based on a thorough assessment of the risks and opportunities,” Mastermyne stated.

“The parties are confident that a measured, low-risk approach will deliver consistent results over the extended contract term.”