For five years, Ambre Energy has been evaluating US coal regions and deposits to identify acquisition opportunities that would build a supply base for sale through the company’s coal marketing business to domestic and international customers.

Large coal deposits with low ash content and low to moderate moisture content located close to rail infrastructure have been the target. In particular, Ambre Energy conducted technical due diligence and market assessments over two operating coal mines - the Decker Coal Mine (Decker) and the Black Butte Coal Mine (Black Butte), and two non-operating coal deposits known as the Big Horn Deposit (Big Horn) and the Rosebud Deposit (Rosebud) in Montana and Wyoming.

Successful negotiations during 2010/11 resulted in Ambre Energy acquiring a stake in these assets previously held by Level 3 Communications, which includes 50% ownership of the Decker and Black Butte mines and 100% ownership of the Big Horn and Rosebud deposits. With these acquisitions complete, Ambre Energy is on track to becoming a major supplier of US thermal coal to the international market.