Bravus Mining and Resources chief executive David Boshoff said the day had been in the making for more than a decade as the company (previously known as Adani) fought off environmental and legal challenges on its way to first coal production next year.

Thermal coal from the mine will be used for electricity generation in India and the milestone for the company comes as the price for coal reached its best level in a decade.

“Throughout the last two years of construction and during the many years when we fought to secure our approvals, our people have put their hearts and souls into this project. It is wonderful that we have now struck coal,” Boshoff said.

“Nearly two years ago today we received our final approvals to develop the Carmichael mine and rail project. We have faced many hurdles along the way, but thanks to the hard work and perseverance of our team, we have now reached the coal seams.

“We’re on track to export first coal this year, and despite reaching this significant milestone, we will not take our eyes off our larger goal of getting coal to market,” he said.

India will be a foundation customer for the Carmichael mine and is the fourth largest global user of electricity as well as the source of the biggest growth in global energy demand.

Mr Boshoff said Bravus had already secured the market for the 10 million tonne a year of coal produced at the Carmichael Mine.

Tomorrow morning Supreme Court Justice Susan Brown is expected to hand down a decision on whether Adani will be allowed to withhold key particulars of the civil case they have brought against environmental activist Ben Pennings.

Last year the company brought a landmark civil damages action against Pennings and sought damages for breach of confidence, intimidation and conspiracy.

Pennings’ lawyers argued against confidentiality orders being imposed that would stop their client from personally viewing details of the entire case against him.