The project, known as the MAC20, would start operations with an estimated capital investment of $260m in the first half of 2011. Under Mount Arthur North’s existing development consent, New South Wales Government has approved for the expansion of Mt Arthur coal mine production capacity to 20 mtpa run-of-mine.
Dave Murray, president of BHP Billiton, Energy Coal, said: “The MAC20 Project approval demonstrates BHP Billiton’s commitment to expanding its thermal coal business in the region. This is a great next step in the mine’s development.
Mt Arthur Coal is situated around five kilometres south of Muswellbrook in the Upper Hunter Valley of New South Wales, Australia. Mt Arthur Coal currently employs approximately 670 staff and today’s announcement will see an increase of a further approximately 190 employees, many of whom we expect will come from the surrounding towns.”
The company is also investing $390m to develop new coal loading facilities at Newcastle Port as a 35% shareholder in NCIG. The development would be undertaken by the consortium.
Murray, said: “The new NCIG coal loading facilities will be utilised for the additional product resulting from the Project.”
