Peabody has shipped its first coal product from the Centurion mine in the Bowen Basin, Queensland, marking a major milestone in the redevelopment of the coking coal operation.
The maiden shipment was delivered to the Dalrymple Bay coal terminal last week before being exported to a customer in Asia.
The achievement marks a significant step toward Centurion’s target of commencing high-volume longwall production in March 2026.
“Two years ago, we announced the redevelopment of this mine with a plan to transform it into a world-class operation supplying premium hard coking coal to global markets, and this week we’re delivering on that plan,” Peabody president and chief executive officer Jim Grech said.
“This is the first strategic step in transforming Peabody into a primarily metallurgical coal producer, and we are proud of the strong progress being made.”
The Centurion mine has a projected annual production of 4.7 million tonnes, with approximately 140 million tonnes of reserves, and an operational life of more than 25 years.
The premium hard coking coal produced at Centurion is integral to making original steel, a critical material for hospitals, schools, and renewable energy projects like wind turbines.
Known for its high coke strength and low impurities, Centurion’s coal enhances steel production efficiency and supports decarbonisation in the steelmaking process.
The project also advances Peabody’s sustainability goals, with predevelopment works underway for a five-megawatt power station to reuse waste gas and reduce emissions.
This progress aligns with Peabody’s broader strategy, which includes its acquisition of four Tier 1 steelmaking coal mines from Anglo American, which is expected to be finalised by mid-2025.
Together, these developments position Peabody to focus on metallurgical coal as a core component of its global portfolio and cash flow.
Subscribe to Australian Mining and receive the latest news on product announcements, industry developments, commodities and more.
