The BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) last month confirmed its $5billion investment in Central Queensland coal projects, anticipated to be create 3000 mining and construction jobs.
BMA's new investment will increase the company's annual production capacity by 4.9million tonnes through development of the new Daunia operation and a new mining area at Broadmeadow.
"This is great news for Queensland and our regional economies - it means jobs, investment and prosperity," Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said. "Mines in the Central Queensland area were impacted by flooding in December and January and this is a clear sign we're open for business."
Work at the Hay Point Coal Terminal will also increase the port's capacity by 11 million tonnes, boosting coal exports.
BMA is spending about $1.6billion on the development of the new Daunia coal mine which will need about 1000 construction workers and 400 operational staff. A further $900million will extend the life of the Broadmeadow mine by a further 21 years, which will need about 650 construction workers.
The Hay Point Coal terminal will have a further $2.5billion spent on its stage three expansion, needing about 1000 construction workers and increasing operational staff by 13, according to BMA. The Broadmeadow expansion and the new Daunia mine are expected to be completed by 2013
The Premier said the plans would also benefit local communities.
"With BMA's recent announcement of a Local Buy Program, this will benefit local Central Queensland communities," Ms Bligh said. "BMA has indicated that they'll be looking to use local labour and local goods wherever possible during construction processes and invite tenders from local businesses."
"I applaud BMA for investing in Queensland and making sure local communities will benefit."
First shipments from the expanded Hay Point Coal Terminal are expected in 2014.
http://www.bma.com.au/
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