Name and Location
Caval Ridge metallurgical coal project, Queensland, Australia.

Client
BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).

Project Description
The Caval Ridge mine will initially produce up to 5.5-million tonnes a year of premium-quality metallurgical coal. It will also process an additional 2.5-million tonnes a year from BMA’s adjacent Peak Downs mine.

The operation will produce metallurgical coal for the steel industry and has been built using the latest technology to be one of the most sustainable and highest-performing metallurgical coal mines in the world.

Energy efficiency has been built into the mine’s design and management system. This includes the use of highly efficient equipment and the optimisation of truck, shovel and dragline movements, which improve the efficiency of energy use and helps to minimise the mine’s greenhouse emissions.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Value
$3.4-billion.

Duration
The mine was opened in October 2014.

Latest Developments
BHP Billiton Coal President Dean Dalla Valle, joined by Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbot and joint venture partner Mitsubishi, opened the Caval Ridge mine during a ceremony on October 13, 2014.

Since starting operation, the Caval Ridge team has achieved an Australian record for the amount of overburden moved by shovel in one week.

The mine has created about 500 jobs in Queensland.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Theiss (civil earthworks).

On Budget and on Time?
The mine was delivered below budget and produced its first coal three months ahead of schedule.

Contact Details for Project Information
BHP Billiton investor relations, Tara Dines, tel +61 3 9609 2222 or email Tara.Dines@bhpbilliton.com.