Blue Gem mining Started!!!!North American Gem Inc. has Commenced Mining Blue Gem Coal at the North American Gem #2 Mine
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Aug 04, 2010 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX News Network) --
North American Gem Inc. (NAG) (TSX VENTURE: NAG) through its subsidiary, North American Gem US, Inc. has commenced mining Blue Gem and Thermal (Jellico seam) coal at the North American Gem #2 Mine (Mine permit number #861-0513) in Knox County, Kentucky. This is NAG's first opportunity to mine the highly marketable Blue Gem coal which commands a price as much as 200% higher than high-quality Thermal coal and is typically the highest priced grade of coal produced in the United States.
Kentucky Mine Partners LLC (KMP) is performing the mining operations at the North American Gem #2 Mine. Initial production of the Blue Gem and Thermal coal is planned for a combined production rate of approximately 8,000 - 10,000 tons per month. The North American Gem #2 Mine will be a surface mining and augering operation. NAG has a buyer in place to purchase all of the coal produced from the North American Gem #2 Mine. Short term pricing of Thermal coal is tied to the NYMEX index (https://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/coal/page/nymex/nymex_chart.pdf)
which closed August 3rd 2010 at $68.85 per net ton loaded into a barge on the Big Sandy River in Kentucky at a quality of greater than 12,000 BTU, less than 1% sulfur, and less than 13% ash which is the highest pricing for this quality of Thermal coal since October 2008. To compare further, the price of similar grade Central Appalachian coal was listed at $51.22 per net ton at the close on January 4th 2010 (https://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/coal/page/nymex/nymex_report.html).
All of NAG's potential mining operations will incorporate sediment control methods that will keep ahead of the increased regulations and restrictions. Furthermore, in anticipation of increased regulations, NAG has, in all of its permitting applications, begun the sampling of receiving streams and groundwater wells utilizing the most stringent and extensive sampling parameters. This will allow NAG to comply with the regulatory requirements and will also result in a much shorter and smoother permitting application process.
The North American Gem Processing Facility (Mine Permit #861-8012) will serve as the central operation and distribution point for coal produced by NAG's mining operations. The facility has equipment in place that is capable of crushing, screening, and washing coal. This gives North American Gem Inc. the added dimension to service a variety of customers by preparing coal to meet their specific requirements. North American Gem Inc. will also have the ability to purchase outside coal to produce custom blended products which will increase market potential. Specifically, plans are to service the industrial stoker markets, silicon metal producers, and electricity generators.
Mr. Dean Schafer is acting as general manager of all the Company's Kentucky coal leases and is currently implementing an overall mine plan.
Ms. Deborah Moses, PEng, PLS, REM, of Engineering Consulting Services Inc. (ECSI) is the qualified person for the Company's coal operations in Kentucky.
North American Gem Inc. (TSX VENTURE: NAG) is a junior resource company in Western Canada. The company's major focus is expanding its coal mining operations at its flagship properties in Kentucky. In addition, the company has interests in coal, copper, molybdenum, and other base metals in Canada.
On Behalf of the Board of Directors
NORTH AMERICAN GEM INC.
Charles Desjardins, President and Director