Overview
| Stage | Production |
| Mine Type | Open Pit |
| Commodities |
|
| Mining Method |
- Truck & Shovel / Loader
- Dragline
|
| Processing |
- Wash plant
- Dense media separation
|
| Mine Life | 19 years (as of Jan 1, 2017) |
Source:
p. 56
BHP Billiton Mitsui Coal (BMC) BMC owns and operates open-cut metallurgical coal mine in the Bowen Basin – South Walker Creek Mine. BMC is owned by BHP Billiton (80 per cent) and Mitsui and Co (20 per cent).
Summary:
Bituminous coal is mined from the Permian Rangal Coal measures. Produces a range of coking coal and
pulverised coal injection (PCI) coal.
Rangal Coal Measures of Late Permian age dipping west at 5–10°; the coal is a high-energy semi-anthracite which occurs in a 9–14m thick seam locally referred to as the Main seam.
Mining Methods
- Truck & Shovel / Loader
- Dragline
Summary:
Mining conditions over the area are favourable for open-pit extraction with soft overburden and relatively low stripping ratios. Overburden is removed using a dragline, hydraulic backhoes and rear dump trucks.
Processing Technologies
- Wash plant
- Dense media separation
Summary:
South Walker Creek coal beneficiated on-site. Nominal capacity: in excess of 5 Mtpa.
Raw coal is processed in dense medium cyclones and spirals, or bypassed directly for a raw product.
Reserves at June 30, 2019:
| Category | OreType | Tonnage | Commodity |
|
Proven
|
In-Situ (OP)
|
101 Mt
|
Coal (metallurgical)
|
|
Probable
|
In-Situ (OP)
|
36 Mt
|
Coal (metallurgical)
|
|
Proven & Probable
|
In-Situ (OP)
|
137 Mt
|
Coal (metallurgical)
|
|
Measured
|
In-Situ (OP)
|
215 Mt
|
Coal (metallurgical)
|
|
Measured
|
In-Situ (UG)
|
36 Mt
|
Coal (metallurgical)
|
|
Indicated
|
In-Situ (OP)
|
119 Mt
|
Coal (metallurgical)
|
|
Indicated
|
In-Situ (UG)
|
154 Mt
|
Coal (metallurgical)
|
Aerial view:
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