One of the world’s largest steel making coal mines has a new name, marking a fresh start for the Peabody operation.

The North Goonyella Mine in Queensland’s Bowen Basin will be known as the ‘Centurion Coal Mine’ as the company cements its long-term plan to make the mine a global leader in the supply of steel making coal.

President of Peabody’s Australian Operations Jamie Frankcombe said the top tier metallurgical coal asset was in a unique position to meet demand for increasing steel production intensity across many economies.

“Peabody is excited to be making strong progress towards resuming production at this mine under a new name that signifies our team’s strength of purpose and commitment to mining excellence,” Jamie said.

“With the production of development coal from Centurion targeted for early 2024 and longwall production in 2026, the resumption of mining will provide a significant boost to the local and state economy, creating hundreds of jobs and generating export income and royalties for Queenslanders.”

Peabody recently announced the US$489 million redevelopment of Centurion was completely funded and the company’s recent agreement to acquire the adjacent Wards Well deposit is expected to provide access to a further 120 million product tons of high-quality coal, extending the life of the combined mining complex by 20 years.

“Centurion was already considered a premium steel making coal asset but with the addition of the Wards Well deposit, Peabody is determined to create a powerhouse operation again supplying benchmark quality Goonyella Middle Seam coal to global markets,” Jamie said.

“Centurion coal has some of the strongest coking characteristics in the world, making it the most efficient feedstock to create the steel needed to build homes, hospitals and other foundational infrastructure across the world for decades to come.

“As developing countries expand in a lower carbon world and developed countries invest in reducing carbon emissions and green energy, the demand for premium coking coal to support this growth will increase.”

Jamie thanked the hardworking Centurion team for their efforts to date and said they were already living the Centurion ethos.

“We wanted to choose a strong name that could unite our team and create a collective force that will operate with precision, ensure safety and set a new standard for mining excellence.

“The icon itself has the Centurion helmet as its base but cleverly features design elements of special significance to underground miners – incorporating the iconic cap lamp, the teeth of the mechanical shearer and the sun rise signifying a new start for the mining operation.

“At Centurion, Peabody is committed to investing in the best people, world class equipment and setting the highest safety and production standards in the industry.”