Rio Tinto said it has produced its first 5,000 metric tons (mt) of coal from the new Clermont mine in central Queensland. Australia’s newest thermal coal mine cost $1 billion to develop and is expected to produce more than 12 million mt of high quality thermal coal per year, over the next 17 years, according to Australian Business. Rio Tinto said construction on the mine started in 2007 with the first glimpse of coal uncovered in February at a depth of 105 m. A 13-km conveyor belt hauls the coal to the nearby Blair Athol mine, where it is taken out by rail. The first export shipment from Clermont should be ready in June.

| More...