This year marks 25 years since BHP and Mitsubishi Development formed BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), bringing together a number of Queensland coal operations under one joint venture.
While the BMA name dates back to 2001, the story of many of its operations began decades earlier. Hay Point Coal Terminal and Goonyella both opened in 1971, Peak Downs followed in 1972 and Saraji in 1974. Together, they helped establish the Bowen Basin as one of the world’s leading steelmaking coal regions.
Today, BMA is one of Australia’s largest producers of higher quality steelmaking coal, but for BMA Asset President Adam Lancey, the anniversary is about much more than the date on the calendar.
“Twenty-five years ago, two companies came together with a shared purpose – to create something enduring, world-class and something we could genuinely be proud of,” Adam said.
“What started as a commercial agreement has become a long-standing partnership.”
While BMA officially began in 2001, Adam said the foundations had already been laid.
“From Peak Downs and Goonyella Riverside through to Saraji, Broadmeadow, Caval Ridge and the Hay Point Coal Terminal, these assets have been producing for decades.
“We know the story of these operations was long written before they were BMA. The opportunity was to take what existed and build something stronger – something that could stand the test of time.”
Over the years, the mines have supported generations of workers, contractors, suppliers and local businesses. Families have built careers across the operations, apprentices have become leaders and many regional businesses have grown alongside the industry.
Hay Point Coal Terminal has also become one of Australia’s busiest coal export facilities, handling more than a billion tonnes of coal since opening more than 50 years ago. Connected by Central Queensland’s rail network, BMA’s operations continue to supply steelmaking coal to customers around the world.
For long-serving employee Chook Thompson, who celebrated 34 years with the business this year, it is the culture that has kept him there.
“It’s all about respect. Treat everyone the way you wish you were treated.”
Adam believes the people behind the business have always been its greatest strength.
“It’s not just the assets, the rail, the ports or the infrastructure that keeps everything moving. It’s the people. Our workforce, our contractors, our partners, Traditional Owners and the communities that back this industry every day all play an important role.”
