New BMA Hay Point coal terminal boosts Queensland's coal exports

Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced it has officially opened the new third berth at BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance’s (BMA) Hay Point Coal Terminal. This move increases the export capacity from 44 million tpy to 55 million tpy.

The Premier was joined by BHP Billiton President Coal, Mike Henry, and Mitsubishi Corp. COO, Mineral Resources Investment Division, Rick Tanaka at the official ceremony.

The US$3 billion infrastructure asset, near Mackay in Central Queensland, was commenced in 2010-11. BMA is a joint venture between BHP Billiton and Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd, which owns and operates seven metallurgical coal mines in Central Queensland, Hay Point Coal Terminal and other infrastructure.

The Hay Point Coal Terminal third expansion project (HPX3) comprised the construction of a new berth and ship-loader alongside the existing two berths. It also included the replacement of the existing jetty, trestle conveyors and surge bins and linking conveyors. The Premier said Queensland coal exports reached a new record in the last financial year of more than 219 million t.

“I want to thank BHP Billiton and Mitsubishi for their confidence in the Queensland coal export market and their contribution to the Queensland economy, despite coal prices having declined markedly in recent years,” the Premier said.

Mr Henry said the terminal project reflected BHP Billiton’s confidence in the BMA business in Queensland and the long-term outlook for metallurgical coal.

“Importantly, the increased capacity at HPX3 will enhance our ability to run an even more productive value chain. Through its design features, the project has also improved the Port’s ability to withstand significant weather events, improving the resilience of the BMA business and enhancing customer confidence in the reliability of supply from BMA and Queensland.”

In consultation with government agencies the HPX3 project was developed and is operated in accordance with comprehensive environmental management strategies covering dust and noise generation and the marine habitat.

New offshore facilities include the new Berth 3 and a new ship loader, two new trestle conveyors on a 1.9 km trestle and conveyors between Berths 1, 2 and 3. More than 1 billion tonnes of coal have passed through Hay Point Coal Terminal since it was established in 1971.

Edited from press release by Angharad Lock

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/16122015/bma-hay-point-coal-terminal-increases-queenslands-exports-3294/