BHP Billiton: Illawarra Coal Passes Environment Test, Output To Rise
October 19 2009 - 10:33PM
Dow Jones News
BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP) said Tuesday an environmental assessment
to continue mining at the Illawarra coking coal operation in New
South Wales state for the next 30 years has passed government
adequacy assessment, which will see output rise to 10.5 million
metric tons from 7.5 million tons.
The Melbourne-based company has been mining in the area for the
past 50 years. The environmental assessment addresses requirements
for ongoing operation of the underground Bulli Seam mines, and will
be open for public exhibition until Dec. 2.
A government decision is expected mid-next year. BHP didn't
disclose a capital expenditure projection, but analysts estimated
the cost of the project to be around US$310 million.
-By Elisabeth Behrmann, Dow Jones Newswires;
61-2-8272-4689 elisabeth.behrmann@dowjones.com