Oaky Creek Coal (OCC) is located between the mining towns of Tieri and Middlemount in Central Queensland and produces one of the most sought after Bowen Basin coking coals.

The mine has two underground operations and a coal preparation plant. Product is dispatched through eastern sea ports in Mackay and Gladstone. The underground operations are modern state of the art longwall operations with associated developmental works.

OCC produces two premium quality medium volatile coking coals, differentiated on coking properties, for export to Japan, Asia, Europe, North Africa and South America. The difference between the two products is attributed to changes in the coal seam within the OCC mine lease. Coal is transported by rail to Dalrymple Bay (297km) and Gladstone (394km) for export by ship. The remaining mine life for OCC is approximately 32 years.

OCC is a joint venture between Xstrata Coal Queensland Pty Limited (55%), Sumisho Coal Australia Pty Limited (25%), Itochu Coal Resources Australia Pty Limited (15%) and ICRA OC Pty Limited (10%).

The OCC mining operation commenced open cut dragline operations in 1982 with saleable coal being produced in December 1983. Underground mining commenced in July 1989 with longwall operations being established at Oaky No. 1 Mine in 1990. Development work for a second underground longwall mine commenced at Oaky North Mine in 1995 and longwall coal was first produced in February 1999. The open cut operations ceased in December 2006.

Production capacity for the OCC mining operation is to be expanded over the next five years to develop additional sections of the lease area. The expansion will include installation of a new longwall mining system and associated development suite, electrical system upgrade and expansion of the existing coal preparation plant.

Procurement is being co-ordinated through the national Industry Capability Network. Intending goods and services providers are invited to register expressions of interest as potential suppliers at www.icnqld.org.au and follow the ICN Gateway link to this project.