PERTH (miningweekly.com) − ASX-listed Wesfarmers is investigating the potential sale of its Premier Coal mine, in Western Australia, after renewed interest in the Collie Coal basin, MD Stewart Butel said on Friday.

Interest in the basin’s coal mines increased since Griffin Coal was bought by Lanco Infretech earlier this year.

Butel said Wesfarmers had received a “number of enquiries” regarding the possible purchase of the Premier Coal operation.

“We feel that this is the right time to look at all options for the business, ranging from business as usual, to building an export-based operation to a joint venture with another party, right through to the potential sale of Premier Coal.”

Wesfarmers has called for expressions of interest, but Butel said all options would be fully investigated before a final decision was made.

“By considering a range of options, we hope to find out how other parties see the Premier Coal value proposition. The results of this process will then be evaluated in light of the options identified,” he added.

Premier Coal produces around four-million tons of coal a year. The majority of the coal is sold under long-term contract to its major customer, Western Australian Energy Corporation, Verve Energy, for domestic power generation.