BHP expands Mt Arthur coal

Panorama

The BMA Blackwater coal mine, in which BHPB has a 50% stake

Publishing Date: 30 Jul 2009 5:25pm GMT
Author: Mining Magazine

Summary

BHP Billiton has announced that the New South Wales Government has granted approval for the expansion of Mt Arthur coal mine.

Processing Loading & Hauling Crushing & Conveying Drilling & Blasting

BHP Billiton has announced that the New South Wales Government has granted approval for the expansion of Mt Arthur coal mine. The MAC20 project will increase the production of thermal coal from 11.5Mt/y to approximately 20Mt/y run-of-the-mine, and is expected to commence operation in the first half of 2011 at an estimated capital investment of US$260 million.

Dave Murray, president of BHP energy and coal said "The MAC20 project approval demonstrates the company’s commitment to expanding its thermal coal business in the region. Mt Arthur currently employs around 670 staff and today's announcement will see an increase of a further 190 employees, many of whom we expect will come from the surrounding towns."

BHP has also invested US$390 million in the development of new coal loading facilities at Newcastle Port as a 35% shareholder in NCIG, the consortium undertaking the development.