Anglo American’s new Aquila Mine has achieved its first longwall shear of steelmaking metallurgical coal on schedule, marking the project’s final stages of construction and commissioning.
Located near Middlemount in Central Queensland, the US$323 million* Aquila Mine extends the life of Anglo American’s existing Capcoal underground operations by seven years, after the company’s nearby Grasstree Mine reached its end of life in recent weeks.
Chief Executive Officer of Anglo American’s Metallurgical Coal business, Tyler Mitchelson, said the milestone had been achieved after a successful ramp up to longwall operations by the Project team.
“Safely starting up longwall mining at Aquila Mine, on our original schedule and on budget, is an important milestone for our Metallurgical Coal business, and will support our ongoing contribution to both the Middlemount community, and Queensland’s economy,” Mr Mitchelson said.
“During Aquila’s construction phase, the project provided employment for around 1,200 people, and the majority of supply contracts were awarded to Queensland-based suppliers, including for longwall equipment, technology, and civil works.
“The mine will use our existing infrastructure at our Capcoal complex** and support around 600 ongoing operational roles for our Queensland-based workforce, including providing continuity of employment for our Grasstree workforce.
“Aquila Mine has been developed as one Australia’s most technologically advanced underground mines, leveraging Anglo American’s advancements in underground automation technology, remote operations and data analytics.
“The mine features two longwalls, allowing us to operate without the downtime that is usually required for longwall moves. Both longwalls are fully remote capable, and will be sequentially operated from our site-based remote operations centre on the surface of the mine.
“Remote operations present us with the single biggest opportunity to improve safety by removing people from harm’s way,” he said.
Mr Mitchelson also extended his gratitude to the Grasstree workforce, who celebrated their ‘last coal’ milestone recently.
“Since first longwall metallurgical coal in 2003, Grasstree Mine has played a significant role.
“Over the life of the mine, Grasstree produced 66 million tonnes of high-quality steelmaking metallurgical coal for export, including setting the Australian underground coal production record by achieving 10 million tonnes of run of mine coal in 2015.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported Grasstree over the last two decades – we are grateful for your contribution, and look forward to continued success at Aquila Mine,” he said.
Aquila will have a total average annual saleable production of around five million tonnes of premium quality hard coking coal and is a joint venture between Anglo American (70%) and Mitsui & Co. Ltd (30%).
Anglo American is a leading global mining company, with significant investments within Australia and particularly in Queensland. The company operates five metallurgical coal mines in Queensland’s Bowen Basin, along with additional projects, joint venture interests, and copper exploration projects in Central West Queensland and the South West of Western Australia.
*Anticipated total capital cost is US$323 million; attributable capital cost is $226 million.
**Anglo American’s Capcoal complex comprises Capcoal Open Cut Mine, Grasstree Mine, Aquila Mine, the Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP) and associated infrastructure.