Rio Tinto Coal Australia
| Company type | Division |
|---|---|
| Industry | Coal mining |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Fate | Divested all coal holdings by 2018 |
| Headquarters | Brisbane , Australia |
| Parent | Rio Tinto Group |
Rio Tinto Coal Australia (RTCA) functioned as an Australian coal mining enterprise and operated as a division within the international Rio Tinto Group. By 2018, Rio Tinto had divested all its remaining coal-related holdings.
Blair Athol Mine
The Blair Athol mine, which Rio Tinto ceased operations at in 2012, required a rehabilitation period extending up to six years, guaranteed by a bond valued at $84 million. Ownership transferred in 2014 to New Emerald Coal, and subsequently in 2016, TerraCom acquired it through its subsidiary Orion Mining for a nominal $1. The initial joint venture had disbursed close to $80 million to the Queensland Government for rehabilitation purposes.
Clermont Mine
The Clermont mine project was announced in January 2007 with an investment of $950 million aimed at developing a thermal coal reserve estimated at 190 million tonnes. Production was anticipated to reach a peak of 12.2 million tonnes per year of premium thermal coal by 2013, with an operational lifespan projected around 17 years. Partners in Rio Tinto’s joint venture included Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd holding 31.4%, J-Power Australia Pty Ltd with 15%, and JCD Australia Pty Ltd owning 3.5%.
In May 2020, Glencore finalized the acquisition of the Clermont coal mine from Rio Tinto for $1.015 billion and assumed operational control.
Kestrel Mine
Rio Tinto consented to transfer its 80% ownership interest in the Kestrel underground coal mine to a group led by private equity firm EMR Capital alongside Indonesian coal producer PT Adaro Energy Tbk in a deal valued at $2.25 billion.
Hunter Valley Operations
Hunter Valley Operations is fully owned by Coal & Allied Industries.
Newcastle Knights
From 2005 until 2011, Coal & Allied was the principal naming rights sponsor for the Newcastle Knights rugby league team competing in the National Rugby League. In 2007, this partnership evolved into a 'Community Alliance' emphasizing support for local community priorities, especially Indigenous populations and disadvantaged groups. Programs encompassed educational initiatives, Indigenous mentorship, junior football clinics, employee health and wellness efforts, and career transition support for players after their sporting tenure.
Community Contributions
Rio Tinto Coal Australia oversaw eight community development funds, distributing roughly $12 million to surrounding communities. Although four funds concluded in 2008, RTCA pledged $3 million over three years to maintain funding activities across Queensland and New South Wales.
Furthermore, between 2008 and 2009, three Aboriginal Community Development Funds were established: the Clermont Aboriginal Community Development Fund, Wiri Yuwiburra Aboriginal Community Benefits Trust, and the Kestrel Mine Aboriginal Community Development Fund. These initiatives aim to foster business growth, education, and training opportunities for the Wiri Yuwiburra, Wangan and Jagalingou, and Kangoulu peoples located in Central Queensland.