Mining giant BHP Billiton Ltd has announced its production results for April to June 2012 quarter for metallurgical coal

April - June 2012 quarter - 8.109 million tonne up by 11% QoQ
YTD - 33.230 million tonnes up by 2% YoY

BHPB said “A modest increase in metallurgical coal production was achieved in the 2012 financial year despite numerous operating challenges. Record annual production at Illawarra Coal (Australia) followed successful commissioning of the West Cliff Coal Preparation Plant upgrade project. A longwall move at the Appin mine is expected to have a minor impact on production in the September 2012 quarter.”

BHPB release added “Queensland Coal (Australia) production remained constrained during the June 2012 quarter largely as a result of industrial action. This disruption to production and sales has led to significant margin compression for our leading Queensland Coal business. BHP Billiton also announced the indefinite closure of the Norwich Park mine (Australia) during the June 2012 quarter following a review of the mine’s profitability.”

Source - SRI

(www.coalguru.com)