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In its June quarterly report, the company announced the overall project, aiming to increase thermal coal production by 4 million tonnes per annum, was 85% complete.
“This project capitalises on strong demand for high ash coal in our key growth markets,” it said.
The RX1 project will enable Mt Arthur Coal to produce approximately 24Mtpa run of mine thermal coal.
RX1 is substantially a mine-only expansion without an associated increase in coal preparation plant capacity.
In addition to the employment generated by the project during construction, the RX1 expansion is expected to generate approximately 300 new, full time jobs.
BHP’s strategy for its energy coal division is to grow Hunter Valley energy coal operations to match its Newcastle port allocation.
BHP believes the RX1 project will take advantage of existing port capacity and future expansion options will be supported by Mt Arthur Coal’s large, low-cost resource and the ability to expand the coal processing facilities.
