“In recent years, through the BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA)1, we have made significant capital investments to expand our operations here in Queensland,” said Valle. “In addition to the $1.4 billion invested to construct the 4.5 million metric ton per year (mt/y) Daunia mine, BMA has committed $7.7 billion for major projects in Queensland over the past three years. This includes the new Caval Ridge mine and the expansion of the Hay Point Coal Terminal currently underway, as well as the Broadmeadow mine extension completed this year.

“Last year, BHP Billiton’s global coal business produced 111 million mt of coal. With our partners in Queensland, we are the world’s largest seaborne supplier of metallurgical coal,” Valle said. “Construction of the Daunia mine started in 2011 and was completed in July this year, under budget and producing coal four months ahead of schedule. Large coal mines are complex projects, and this is a fantastic achievement for our team.”

BHP Billiton’s combined coal business, headquartered in Brisbane, includes 20 operations around the world and a workforce of approximately 30,000 people.