BHP Billiton shuts South Walker Creek coal mine ahead of Cyclone Debbie arrival

Mining giant BHP Billiton said on Monday it was suspending operations at its South Walker Creek coal mine in Queensland with Cyclone Debbie expected to bear down on Australia on Tuesday close to the site. "BHP Billiton Mitsui Coal (BMC) South Walker Creek Mine is close to the official warning zone and subsequently operations will be temporarily suspended from end of day shift Monday 27th of March until the storm threat has passed," a BHP spokesman said.