The Saraji Mine, about 15km north of Dysart, is one of the largest open-cut metallurgical coal operations in Queensland’s Bowen Basin.

The mine is operated by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), a joint venture between BHP and Mitsubishi Corporation, which manages several major coal mines across the Bowen Basin.

Saraji commenced operations in 1974 and has developed into a major producer of hard coking coal, a key ingredient used in the production of steel.

Mining is carried out using large-scale open-cut truck-and-shovel methods, targeting coal seams within the Permian-aged coal measures of the Bowen Basin. The mine also includes extensive coal handling and preparation infrastructure to process ore into export-grade product.

Once processed, coal from Saraji is transported via the Goonyella rail network to export terminals at Hay Point and Dalrymple Bay near Mackay, where it is shipped to international steelmakers, particularly in Asia.

Saraji has an annual production capacity of over 10Mt of metallurgical coal and employs a large workforce of direct employees and contractors.

The mine has coal reserves amounting to 648Mt of coking coal, one of the largest coal reserves in Asia and the world.

As one of BMA’s flagship operations, the mine plays an important role in Queensland’s metallurgical coal export industry and the global steel supply chain.