(EnergyAsia, January 25, Friday) — Australia resources company BHP Billiton said it has approved a US$390 million investment as its share in its third coal export project in Newcastle port on Kooragang Island. The first ship loading of coal is scheduled for late 2010.

The project, managed by the Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group Pty Ltd (NCIG), calls for the construction of a 30-million-tonne-per-year export coal loading facility with a future option to expand to 66 million t/y.

The port will include a rail unloader, stockpile facilities, a ship loader and two berths in the south arm of the Hunter River.

Dave Murray, President of BHP Billiton’s coal business, said: “This project is an important strategic investment. It underpins our ability to pursue growth options in our New South Wales energy coal business and enables us to meet strong demand from our customers.”

NCIG’s shareholders include BHP Billiton (35.5%, through Hunter Valley Energy Coal Pty Ltd), Peabody Coal (17.7% through Excel Coal Limited), Felix NSW Pty Ltd 15.3%, Donaldson Coal Pty Ltd 11.6%, Whitehaven Coal Mining Limited 11.1% and Centennial Coal Infrastructure Pty Ltd 8.8%.