Record production and sales volumes at its Queensland Coal division for the nine months ended March 2015, reflected the successful ramp-up of the Caval Ridge mine and sustained improvements in truck and wash-plant utilisation across the operations.
Metallurgical coal production for the nine months ended March 2015 increased by 14% to a record 38 Mt.
The BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) operates seven Bowen Basin mines in Queensland – Goonyella Riverside, Broadmeadow, Daunia, Peak Downs, Saraji, Crinum, Blackwater and Caval Ridge – and the Hay Point Coal Terminal near Mackay.
With the exception of the Crinum and Broadmeadow underground longwall operations, its mines are open-cut, using dragline and truck/shovel fleets for overburden removal. BHP Billiton owns 50% of BMA.
In the energy sector, South Africa Energy Coal production for the nine months ended March 2015 increased by 15% and reflected improved equipment utilisation and optimised mine planning.
