Macarthur subsidiaries Monto Coal and Monto Coal 2 were served with a statement of claim for proceeding in the Queensland Supreme Court by Sanrus, Edge Developments and H&J Enterprises.

The claim is for breach of contract plus interest and costs in relation to the suspension of all work at the Monto Coal project in 2003.

"The allegations against Monto Coal and Monto Coal 2 are unfounded in our view and we strongly defend the company against the claims," Macarthur CEO Nicole Hollows said.