BHP Billiton today confirmed that while extreme rainfall following Cyclone Debbie has impacted access, power, logistics and services in the Queensland’s Bowen Basin, crews are returning to work at its coal mines. BHP Billiton said the safety and security of our employees and their communities remains our highest priority.
The company added that dewatering infrastructure installed after the 2011 floods is working as designed and all sites are resuming operations with mine production ramping up.
The company said: “BHP Billiton notes the release made by rail track provider Aurizon that the rail network remains offline. Aurizon is assessing damage and timing for resumption of track availability. BHP Billiton will seek to manage ongoing access to ports and shipments to customers. The Hay Point Terminal is ready to receive coal.
“We continue to monitor and work through the impacts to production and will provide updates over coming weeks and detail in the Operational Review.
“BHP Billiton has committed A$250,000 to the Salvation Army to provide immediate support to Queenslanders impacted by Tropical Cyclone Debbie.”
BHP Billiton has interests in 11 coal mines in the Bowen Basin through its joint ventures – BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) owns nine mines (seven operational, two in care and maintenance, and the Hay Point Coal Terminal south of Mackay. BHP Billiton Mitsui Coal (BMC) owns two mines.
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