Aker Kvaerner Awarded QNI Yabulu Gas Conversion Project

QNI Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of BHP Billiton has awarded Aker Kvaerner Australia the contract for preliminary studies and engineering, procurement and construction management for gas conversion of QNI's nickel refinery at Yabulu near Townsville in North Queensland, Australia.

Aker Kvaerner Australia will conduct the feasibility study for the conversion of the refinery's fuel system from naphtha and oil fired to coal seam gas (CSG) methane fired. This will include the dryers, calciners and synthesis gas plant as well as the installation of gas reticulation facilities.

The work will be carried out from a regional office Aker Kvaerner is establishing in the local community of Townsville.

The Queensland Government has facilitated the installation of a 390 km CSG pipeline from Moranbah to Townsville Power Station adjacent to QNI Yabulu Refinery. A consortium is proceeding with the installation of a 300mm pipeline to supply CSG to the refinery. The pipeline will be completed in February 2005.