Designed to produce up to 3 million tonnes per annum of coking and PCI coals for global steelmakers, Poitrel’s production will be stepped up in phases.

More than 1Mt of saleable coal is expected to be produced in the first year of operation, with full production to be reached in three years from start-up.

Poitrel is operated by BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance on behalf of the owners, BHP Mitsui Coal, and is located 35km southeast of Moranbah.