Australian mining major BHP Billiton has declared force majeure — a clause invoked when unforeseen circumstances prevent business obligations from being fulfilled — in the wake of Cyclone Debbie. Landslides have blocked a railway line in Queensland which connects coking coal mines to ports, meaning that that firm won't meet its export commitments. Line operator Bowen Basin has warned that it could take five weeks to complete necessary repairs, with floodwaters threatening further delays. BHP Billiton has interests in 11 mines in Queensland's coal-rich Aurizon.
Australian mining major BHP Billiton has declared force majeure — a clause invoked when unforeseen circumstances prevent business obligations from being fulfilled — in the wake of Cyclone Debbie. Landslides have blocked a railway line in Queensland which connects coking coal mines to ports, meaning that that firm won't meet its export commitments. Line operator Aurizon has warned that it could take five weeks to complete necessary repairs, with floodwaters threatening further delays. BHP Billiton has interests in 11 mines in Queensland's coal-rich Bowen Basin.