Although, the company is not likely to further its production rate of 32million tons a year, it is expecting to produce additional 128million tons of coal during the extended period.
For the mine-life extension, the company said that it requires permission to increase the rail and port frequency by 60% to 38 from current train movements of 24, reported Newcastle Herald.
Meanwhile, BHP has noted a cumulative impact of dust from its mines near Muswellbrook town including Mount Arthur, Bengalla,
Drayton and Mangoola mines during an environmental assessment with New South Wales Department of Planning to be continued until 24 May 2013.
In its recent environmental management audit, BHP has estimated production at 24million tons for the year ending 30 June 2013, along with saleable production of 18.8million tons.
