Name and Location
Wandoan coal project, Queensland, Australia.

Client
Glencore Xstrata (75%) and partners Itochu (12.5%) and Sumitomo (12.5%).

Project Description
The Wandoan coal mining lease application area covers about 32 000 ha.

The proposed thermal coal mine will comprise ten opencut mining areas with 16 pits and a coal handling and preparation plant; mine support infrastructure, including office buildings, workshops, washdown facilities, fuel and oil storage facilities; a workforce accommodation village; and a rail spur and train-loading facilities.

With an expected life of more than 30 years, the mine will produce thermal coal that will be exported or sold to the domestic market. It is expected that about 30-million run-of-mine tons of coal a year will be mined.

Value
The value of the project has not been confirmed; however, the project will be funded through a joint venture between Xstrata Coal Queensland, Itochu and Sumisho Coal Australia.

Duration
Mine construction will take two to three years, with a start date to be determined once the project receives all the necessary approvals.

Latest Developments
Glencore Xstrata has officially placed the Wandoan project on hold.

The project is one of ten Glencore Xstrata projects to be placed on hold in current market conditions.

The company is aiming to reduce capital spend by about $3.5-billion between 2013 and 2015.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Too early to state.

Contact Details for Project Information
GlencoreXstrata media enquiries, Charles Watenphul, tel +41 41 709 2462 or email e:charles.watenphul@glencore.com.