Project Focus

摘要

Ensham is an open-cut mine in the central Bowen basin, producing mostly thermal and some semi-soft coking coal for export markets. Itopened in 1993. and is owned (85%) and operated by Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. The mine was flooded by heavy rain in January 2008 andforce majeure was declared. Production for 2008 was severely reduced as result. In November 2011, UG mining began at Ensham with ananticipated life of 14 years.The deposit was initially explored by the Geological Survey of Queensland from 1971 to 1982. In May 1990, the lease was taken by theQueensland government from the original joint venturers and awarded to only one of the venturers, Idemitsu Kosan after disputes overmine ownership. This grant was in return for a commitment to rapid development of a mine. Two of the remaining venturers, Rio Tintoand Agip were awarded compensation, but litigation halted the project. Ensham’s open-pit mine started operation in 1993.