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Queensland Coal Mine

The Sunshine State, Queensland, is one of the most developed states in Australia. Many tourists come to Queensland regularly seeking warmer weather. The popularity it got among the world's tourism sector improves its economy by leap and bounds. In addition, the coal mining industry positions it as one of the most developed states in Australia as well as in the region.

One of the strongholds of Queensland's economy is its mining industry. Queensland has over 30 billion tones of proven black coal resources. The largest seaborne coal exportation of the World is based in Queensland. The record production of coal from Queensland, 183 million tones (Mt), was reported during the period 2006-07. During this period, Queensland exported over 153 metric tones to 33 countries worldwide.

Queensland coal was transported by rail network that was connected to six large terminals of four ports on the Queensland coast thus supplying coal to the native market as well as to the export markets. The six massive coal terminals of Queensland are Abbot Point Coal Terminal close to Bowen, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, Hay Point Services Coal Terminal at Mackay, RG Tanna and Barney Point Coal, Gladstone and Fisherman Islands Coal Terminals in the Brisbane port.

Coal in Queensland was first discovered in 1845 by an explorer and geologist Ludwig Leichardt. In 1892, the first coal mine under the state was opened at Blackwater but it was not a success. By 1960, the world's rapidly developing steel based industries needed more and more metallurgical coal production and Bowen Basin was explored to find coal. After one year, the first coal-mining project was started in Moura.

In 2007, in accordance with the O'Donnell Report, the Queensland authorities approved $654 million to purchase rolling stock and development of coal export systems. The next stage of this development scheme is set with an investment worth $216 million to purchase 920 trucks to meet the targets set for 2010-11. The development plan helps export over 261 million tones of coal on a yearly basis.

The BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance - BMA is the largest coal mining and exporting company in Australia. It is the largest supplier for the seaborne coking coal market. BMA is the owner and operator of Gregory Crinum and Broadmeadow underground operations. It also owns and operators five operations on the land including Peak Downs, North Park, Blackwater, Saraji and Gooneylla Riverside. The Poitrel and South Walker Creek open cut mines are also under BMA Alliance.

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