BHP coal concern may fuel imports

BHP Billiton does not want to import coal to fuel its Worsley Alumina Operation but may be forced to do so because of concerns of supply from Griffin Coal.

The insight came from Bunbury Wellington Economic Alliance chief executive officer Matt Granger at a Bunbury City Council meeting on Tuesday night.

Mr Granger was asked by councillors about BHP Billiton because it is one of the alliance's key members.

BHP is planning to import coal through Bunbury Port and then stockpile it on council-owned land.

Mr Granger told the council he had met with key figures from the company and discussed the situation.

He believes BHP Billiton sees the import plan as a "risk management strategy" and they hoped they did not have to resort to it.