MELBOURNE -(Dow Jones)- BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP.AU) said Wednesday it has declared force majeure on coal shipments from its Hay Point coal terminal, which may take up to six weeks to return to full operation after being damaged by cyclone Ului.
Hay Point, which is the main export port for coking coal from BHP's joint venture operations with Mitsubishi Corp. (8058.TO) in Queensland state, has been closed since March 11 due to bad weather and sustained some offshore damage to walkways, cabling and platforms.
"An early and incomplete assessment suggests that it will take three to six weeks for both berths to return to full operation," a BHP spokeswoman said.
"BHP Billiton has notified affected customers of a force majeure event."
The BHP Mitsubishi Alliance is the world's biggest producer of coking coal for the seaborne market and news that its key port may be closed for up to six weeks will likely tighten coal markets.
BHP is monitoring conditions at its mine sites and is gradually restarting mining operations after the passing of Ului, the spokeswoman said.
Copyright ? 2009 Dow Jones Newswires
豫公网安备41010502003434号