Millennium mine is located near the town of Moranbah in the Bowen Basin. Mining commenced in May 2006 at a rate of 1.5 million tonnes (1.65 million tons) a year. The mine plans to increase its annual saleable PCI and coking coal production to three million tonnes (3.3 million tons) as port constraints are eased at Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal. Millennium provides a low ash coking coal and low to mid-volatile PCI coal to customers in Japan, Korea and India.

The open-cut mine is operated under contract by Downer Edi Mining using conventional truck and excavator mining methods. With Millennium located adjacent to BHP Mitsui Coal's Poitrel project, Peabody and BHP Mitsui Coal have agreed - through the Red Mountain Joint Venture - to share coal infrastructure with a total annual capacity of six million tonnes (6.6 million tons). Millennium has other strategic advantages. Located south of Burton and North Goonyella mines, it offers Peabody the opportunity for operational synergy in the north Bowen Basin.

Millennium's mining lease covers 3000 hectares.

Peabody acquired 84.6 percent of the mine in October 2006.

Millennium Expansion Project

Peabody is planning to extend the existing mining operation into two new lease areas, thereby increasing the current production rate. An application to voluntarily undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the expansion was made to the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This application was recently approved by the EPA, enabling the EIA process to commence.

Peabody has engaged Matrixplus Consulting Pty Limited (www.matrixplus.com.au ), a highly experienced consultancy, to thoroughly investigate and report on all potential environmental and social impacts for the Millennium Expansion Project.

If you would like more information about the Millennium Expansion Project, contact us on freecall 1300 119 022.

• Click here to view the initial communication Factsheet
• Click here to view the second Factsheet
• Click here to view the Initial Advice Statement for the Millennium Expansion Project
• Click here to view the final Terms of Reference for the Millennium Expansion Project

If you would like more information about the Environmental Impact Assessment process, visit the Department of Environment and Resource Management's website at www.epa.qld.gov.au .