Cliffs marked its diversification into seaborne coking and thermal coal by acquiring an economic interest in the high-potential Sonoma Coal Project. The project presents a good fit with Cliffs’ operational competencies and an ideal means for Cliffs to expand its presence in the Australian mining sector, as well as broaden its participation in the steelmaking materials industry. Sonoma currently has estimated reserves of 107 million tons.
Location: Queensland, Australia
Type of Coal: Metallurgical and thermal
2008 Production: 953,000 tons
Cliffs’ Ownership Share: 45%
QCoal Ownership Share: 45%
JFE Shoji Ownership Share: 5%
China Steel Ownership Share: 5%
The numbers reported above are estimates for full-year 2008.
