Xstrata Coal has agreed to begin a detailed pre-feasibility study to investigate the development and operation of the proposed Port Alma Coal Exporting Terminal in Queensland, Australia.
Xstrata recently completed its review of the draft Port Alma concept report, which highlighted the possibilities of developing a coal terminal of at least 20 mtpa capacity.
The A$4M pre-feasibility study is scheduled to be completed by 30 June 2009 and will include geotechnical investigations, hydrographic survey work and sedimentation studies. Xstrata will also conduct an analysis of the development of an additional two berths for the handling of products other than coal. An environmental assessment will be conducted during the pre-feasibility phase.
“We are very pleased to be working with the Gladstone Port Corporation to consider the feasibility of developing Port Alma to meet the increasing infrastructure needs of the state of Queensland,” said Xstrata Coal chief executive Peter Freyberg.
“As global demand for coal continues to increase, Xstrata is taking a leading role in exploring new opportunities to expand Australia’s export capacity.”
