Peabody history - Peabody Energy Australia

Peabody history

Russell Kelce

Russell Kelce (pictured), one of three brothers who helped lead Peabody in the 1950s, launched Operation Green Earth before any government requirement or laws. His ambitious program was aimed at planting trees and reintroducing fish and wildlife onto mined lands. Almost 50,000 mined acres were returned to productive use during a ten year period.

Humble Roots

1883	Francis S. Peabody, a Yale graduate turned entrepreneur who founded a retail coal business in Chicago, starts Peabody with initial capital of just $100.
1913	Peabody signs its first long-term coal supply agreement with an electric utility in the U.S.
1953	Peabody Coal Company, engaged solely in underground mining, is the U.S.'s eighth-largest coal producer.
1955	Peabody merges with Sinclair Coal Co, owner of highly competitive low-cost, high-volume surface mining operations.
1962	Theiss Peabody Mitsui opens Moura mine, the first major Australian export coal mine in the Bowen Basin, Queensland.
1970	Peabody becomes the U.S.'s number one coal producer, shipping 61 million tonnes (67 million tons)
1977	As part of restructuring, the Peabody Australian properties are sold to joint venture partners.

Expansion

1978	Peabody develops strategic plans to grow through expansion and diversification into low-sulphur, metallurgical and export markets.
1993	Peabody acquires Warkworth, Ravensworth and Narama mines in New South Wales, Australia.
1995	Peabody Energy ships a record 137 million tonnes (151 million tons) of coal globally.
1998	Peabody opens Bengalla mine in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia.
1999	Peabody acquires Moura mine in partnership with Mitsui, Queensland, Australia.
2000	Peabody COALTRADE Australia opens a coal trading office in Newcastle, New South Wales, to complement its operations in Australia.
2001	Peabody Australian assets are sold to Coal and Allied prior to successful float of the newly renamed Peabody Energy on the New York Stock Exchange. Peabody COALTRADE office retained in Australia.

New Era

2002	Wilkie Creek mine and Horse Creek coal resource in Surat Basin, Queensland acquired, marking a return by Peabody to Australia.
2003	Peabody Energy ships a record 185 million tonnes (204 million tons) of coal to its clients worldwide.
2004	Acquisition of RAG Australia Coal assets North Goonyella underground mine and Burton open-cut mine in the Bowen Basin, Queensland.
2005	Baralaba mine in Queensland's southern Bowen Basin commences operations in July under Peabody management.
2006	Peabody Energy Australia acquires Excel Coal operations.
2007	Wilpijong mine commences export coal production.

In the 21^st century, Peabody Energy faces challenges and opportunities never dreamed of by its founder. Generations of talented, skilled men and women have created a legacy that positions the company for a powerful future.