DML&W OKs Linc inlet drilling plan

The Alaska Division of Mining, Land and Water has approved a permit request from Linc Energy Operations Inc. for coal exploration northwest of Tyonek on the west side of Cook Inlet.

The evaluation is for potential underground coal gasification development (see story in Aug. 10 issue).

The division said in its Sept. 12 decision that it adjusted the bond required for the project and obtained additional information from Linc; an updated application was deemed complete Aug. 27.

The company plans as many as five “site characterization” holes to a maximum depth of 3,500 feet, with one drill hole planned this year.

Linc said in its application that the TYEX02 would be drilled to some 3,000 feet using a core drilling rig to obtain a core with an outside diameter of some 2.5 inches.

“The main objectives of the TYEX02 core hole are to provide confirmation of the geological structure, provide geotechnical information about the coal seams and surrounding rock, provide gas content and whole coal analysis of the two prospective target coal seams, obtain hydrological characteristics from geophysical logs and perform drill stem tests in and adjacent to the targeted coal seams,” Linc said in its application.

- Kristen Nelson