BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance, or BMA, is Australia's largest coal miner and exporter, and is currently responsible for around a quarter of Australia's total annual coal exports._x000D_
BMA and its predecessors have been part of the Queensland mining scene for around 40 years, developing world-class mines, a port, overseas markets, and an international reputation for quality and reliability. From its production base in Queensland's Bowen Basin, BMA produces a broad suite of coals which are supplied to 73 customers in 24 countries._x000D_
BMA was formed in June 2001 as a partnership between BHP Billiton and Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd, under which the two companies share equal ownership and management of eight Central Queensland coal mines - Goonyella Riverside, Broadmeadow, Peak Downs, Saraji, Norwich Park, Gregory, Crinum and Blackwater - and the Hay Point coal export terminal near Mackay._x000D_
This case study focuses on Peak Downs Mine, which was the second largest open cut mining operation to be developed in the northern Bowen Basin for the original CQCA Joint Venture. The first coal was mined in April 1972 and today, Peak Downs has a production capacity of over nine million tonnes of coking coal per annum. The mine is located 30 km south of Moranbah and 195 km south west of the Hay Point port facilities._x000D_
Coal is mined by open cut mining methods using six draglines and two truck/shovel stripping fleets for overburden removal. Coal seams are mined using excavators and front-end loaders and 210 tonne capacity coal haulers._x000D_
FORMAL CITATION:Cooper, A, 2007. Gaining acceptance for change, in Proceedings New Leaders' 2007, pp 97-100 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).