Japanese company Idemitsu Kosan has completed expansion of Boggabri Coal mine in New South Wales, Australia.
The project is owned by Idemitsu Kosan’s Australian subsidiaries, and the expansion included the construction of coal handling and preparation plant, a 17km rail spur line, rail load-out facility and product stockpile areas, high voltage infrastructure, and upgradation of Goonbri road.
The mine has been producing high quality thermal coal with high calorific value, low sulphur and low ash since 2006 and the company is aiming to produce seven million tonnes of coal annually from now on.
The project is expected to have significant economic and social benefits to the region as it will provide new jobs for the locals.
Australian Industry and Science minister Ian Macfarlane said.said: "Mines like Boggabri are the lifeblood of many regional communities and underline the importance of the resources sector to our national economy.
"The Boggabri mine has been supporting the communities of Boggabri, Narrabri, and Gunnedah since 2006.
"This expansion of the mine, which produces both thermal and metallurgical coal, will allow the mine to operate beyond 2030, continuing to create jobs and support local businesses that service it."