An upgrade and an expansion of the Abbot Point Coal Terminal will boost the port precincts productivity, according to Queensland
An upgrade and an expansion of the Abbot Point Coal Terminal will boost the port precincts productivity, according to Queensland Premier Anna Bligh.
The Government has committed $163 million for two projects to start soon at the Bowen-based coal terminal.
Bligh says the terminal is a key part of Queensland and Australia’s coal transport infrastructure, and both projects will ensure the terminal plays a key role in the years ahead.
“The State Government’s go-ahead for the $95 million X25 expansion project will take capacity at the terminal from 21 million tonnes per annum to 25 million tonnes,” she says.
The remaining $68 million will be spent upgrading the stockyard system, which will refurbish current machinery as well as install a new machine.
The coal terminal is seen as an emerging port precinct in Queensland, with Bligh saying it will play an increasingly influential role in the meeting the needs of a booming coal industry.
As part of the X25 project, the Government has committed to fitting out the existing second rail in-load pit with infrastructure to become operational, which will include installing rail beams, steel hoppers and a vibrating feeder system.
Furthermore, a new inloading conveyor system from the second pit to the stockyard will be installed, while existing conveyors will be upgraded to improve capacity through the installation of new drives and pulleys and wide conveyor belts.
The X25 project is to start in July and is expected to be completed by mid-2009. Although no date has been given, the yard refurbishment work is expected to start soon in order to be completed by the end of the year.