Expressions of interest for the development of the AUD 6.2 billion T4 to T7 terminals project at Abbot Point Coal Terminal in northern Queensland have closed.

A spokesperson from the state government's department for transport and main roads said that the response was strong, but the identity or number of tenders received can't be revealed until a final recommendation is made.

The North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation's probity adviser O'Connor Marsden has advised that is essential in ensuring that a robust and defendable process is maintained.

NQBP is now evaluating the bids and a recommendation will be made to shareholders for approval in October or November this year.

Carabella Resources, a company exploring for coking coal in the Bowen Basin, has confirmed it joined several mining companies to form a consortium to bid for the development of the project. The expansion would make Abbot Point the largest coal port in the world, with seven coal terminals and an export capacity of close to 300 million tonnes per annum.

(Sourced from abc.net)