Middlemount Mine
The Middlemount Mine is positioned to be the next operating mine in Macarthur Coal’s project portfolio. The site is approximately 6kms south of the township of Middlemount and 120kms south of Coppabella Mine. Middlemount has production approval for 1.8mtpa ROM with potential to expand to 5.4mtpa ROM. This development contributes to Macarthur Coal’s strategy to double production over five years to achieve sales of 9.2mtpa by 2014.
Project history
Macarthur Coal acquired its interest in the Middlemount Mine project in January 2008 through the purchase of Custom Mining Limited (Custom Mining). Custom Mining's principal asset was a 74.66% interest in the Middlemount Mine project through its shareholding in Middlemount Coal Pty Ltd (Middlemount Coal).
On acquisition of Custom Mining, Noble Group was Macarthur Coal’s joint venture partner in Middlemount Coal. Following a transaction with Gloucester Coal in December 2010 involving Gloucester acquiring Noble Group Limited’s interest in the Middlemount Mine project, Macarthur Coal now has a 50% interest.
Mining operations
A Mining Lease was granted to Middlemount Coal in September 2009 for a mine with production capacity of 1.8mtpa ROM. Construction of the CHPP and other mine infrastructure (dams, roads and other earthworks) commenced shortly after the lease was granted. First coal was processed through the wash plant in September 2010.
The rail spur is due for completion in the December-half of 2011 calendar year. Middlemount Coal has a long term take or pay contract for 3mtpa with Pacific National Pty Ltd for the haulage of coal from Middlemount Mine to the expanded Abbot Point Coal Terminal.
Middlemount Coal has appointed NRW Holdings Limited to undertake mining services for the project for a five year period, commencing 1 July 2011.
Stage 2 development
Given the size and quality of the coal resource at Middlemount, significant work has been undertaken to assess future expansion of production up to a potential total of 5.4mtpa ROM coal.
