New offshore facilities include the new Berth 3 and a new ship loader, two new trestle conveyors on a 1.9km trestle and conveyors between Berths 1, 2 and 3.
Palaszczuk, who was joined by BHP Billiton president coal, Mike Henry, and Mitsubishi Corporation COO, Mineral Resources Investment Division, Rick Tanaka at the official ceremony, said Queensland coal exports reached a new record in the last financial year of more than 219Mt.
There were benefits of large infrastructure investments such as the Hay Point expansion, notwithstanding the challenging times faced by the coal sector, she said.
“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,” she said.
The $US3 billion infrastructure asset, near Mackay in Central Queensland, started in 2010-11.
The Hay Point Coal Terminal third expansion project (HPX3) involved 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.
Henry said the recently completed terminal project reflected BHP Billiton’s confidence in the BMA business in Queensland and the long-term outlook for metallurgical coal.
“BMA is the world’s largest exporter of seaborne metallurgical coal and employs 9,000 Queenslanders. The opening of the HPX3 project is a significant milestone,” Henry said.
“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.
The construction workforce at the HPX3 project peaked at more than 1,630 during 2014 and more than 12.6 million person hours were worked.
More than 1 billion tonnes of coal have passed through Hay Point Coal Terminal since it was established in 1971.
