Moranbah’s Broadmeadow mine is set to greatly increase production thanks to the installation of new innovative technology that allows almost complete recovery of coal from thick seams.
Owners of Broadmeadow, BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), have introduced a form of mining known as Longwall Top Coal Caving that makes the extraction of thick seams more efficient and economical.
The extension of three longwall panels at the mine will see production lifted from 400,000 tonnes per annum to a new total capacity of 4.8 million tonnes per annum.
Natural Resources and Mines Minister Andrew Cripps said the investment by BMA reflected optimism about Queensland’s resources sector.
“With the extension of the Broadmeadow Mine, BMA has demonstrated its continued commitment to coal production and investment in Queensland for at least the next 20 years,” Mr Cripps said.
“Mining is now a larger employer of full-time workers in Queensland than both the agricultural or hospitality sectors, which highlights the importance of the sector to economic growth in Queensland.
“Last financial year BMA’s operations contributed around $9.3 billion in direct spending, mostly in regional communities.”
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