BHP Billiton JV invests $270.1m to QLD Caval Ridge mine development

A $270.1 million investment has been approved by the BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) for the Caval Ridge Southern Circuit (CRSC) capital growth project in Central Queensland’s Bowen Basin.

The project is for an 11-kilometre overland conveyor system which will be transporting coal from the Peak Downs mine to the nearby Caval Ridge mine coal handling preparation plant (CHPP).

The CRSC capital growth project is expected to generate up to 400 new construction jobs as well as approximately 200 ongoing operational positions. The project will also enable the Caval Ridge preparation plant to increase its throughput to reach a 10 million tonnes per annum capacity.

The project will also involve the development of a new stockpile pad and run-of-mine station at Peak Downs as well as upgrade works to the CHPP and stockyard at Caval Ridge.

BHP Billiton President Operations, Minerals Australia Mike Henry said that the project will form part of the missing link between the Peak Down mine and the Caval Ridge mine, accelerating productivity and growth.

“This investment furthers our productivity agenda, reduces costs, releases latent equipment capacity, and strengthens our coal business’ global competitiveness.

“We are committed to Queensland’s Bowen Basin and this project creates new employment opportunities during construction and locks in ongoing operational roles. The investment flowing from the project will help support the local community and State economy after what has been a difficult time in the region,” Mr Henry said.

Construction is expected to begin in mid-2017 and will take 18 months to complete.

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Source: BHP Billiton and Australian Mining