Authors: T. Crossley, H. Lief, P. Crisafulli
Abstract
BHP Mitsui Coal Pty Limited developed the South Walker coal mine in the Bowen Basin of Central Queensland in 1996 for the production of PCI (pulverized coal injection) coal. Hatch Associates were awarded the owner’s engineering role for the project and subsequent upgrades. Thiess were awarded the contracting mining and processing operations on a toll basis.
The original development was for a 300 t/h trial mine set-up to test the market place for a low volatile PCI coal. As a result of the success of PCI coal as an economical substitute for part of the coking coal required for steel making, the mine and coal preparation plant were gradually upgraded to 450 t/h, 600 t/h and now 800 t/h. Operating practices were also altered so that in excess of 4.3 Mt/a of product can now be generated. Processing consists of Dense Medium Cyclones and Spirals with the emphasis on achieving consistent product quality.
