Sojitz Coal Mining: green acres
THE town is Emerald by name, and, if Japanese miner Sojitz has its way, will also be emerald by nature. Located in Queensland’s Bowen Basin, it’s has been the hub of mining operations by the trading conglomerate ever since it bought an interest in the Minerva coal mine in 1994. By 2010, ownership had increased to 96pc, enabling the company to directly own, operate and manage the business. In 2018, it also announced plans to develop the nearby Meteor Down South coal mine in a joint venture with U&D Mining. Now, 25 years down the track from that initial foray, Sojitz continues to expand its presence in the region by acquiring the mothballed Gregory Crinum coking coal mine from BHP…