by Area councillor Kevin Saccary says there are now close to 40 people working at the Donkin Mine.
He and adds the operators are now preparing to test burn coal from the mine with Nova Scotia Power but have to wait for a permit to operate the underground miner.
He goes on to say operators Kameron Collieries also tell him there are a couple of new buildings on site including a warehouse, washhouse and offices.
Saccary says officials with Kameron are interested in the possibility of a trucking corridor to ship coal from the mine.
He adds the corridor could extend as far as the coal pier in Whitney Pier and would prevent heavy truck traffic on public roads.
He goes on to say the corridor would also open up land and property along the way for future industrial development.