Presenting at a coal conference in Maputo, Woodley said the Moatize Basin, which holds the Benga and Zambeze developments will be the world’s next major coal basin and they will not spare any time in getting them to full production.

While the Benga mine is currently under construction, infill drilling at the Zambeze project has begun, and Woodley said both areas had a lot to give.

“Our strategy is to invest in and operate long-life, cost-competitive mines and businesses with significant growth potential,” Woodley said.

“We look forward to bringing our expertise to help develop Riversdale's assets as quickly as possible,” he added.

Woodley said the Benga project, which Riversdale has a 65% stake in, is in the advanced stages of construction, while the Zambeze project which lies adjacent to the Benga project is predicted to deliver first exports by late 2014.

The Zambeze project is 100% owned by Riversdale.

Rio Tinto announced a takeover offer in December 2010 and entered into compulsory acquisition in June.

Rio now has 90% of the share register and is expected to own 100% of Riversdale’s assets by the end of August.