BHP Billiton plc (LON:BLT) has opened the new Daunia mine, the Company's ninth operating metallurgical coal mine in central Queensland.

The company's Coal President, Dean Dalla Valle, was joined by the Hon. Campbell Newman, Premier of Queensland, and joint venture partner, Mitsubishi, in a ceremony to open the mine, which has created 450 direct jobs in Queensland.

Dalla Valle said: "It's not often, even in a long career in mining, that the opportunity arises to open a new mine, and I am privileged to be doing that today amongst our proud coal miners."

BHP Billiton's combined coal business, headquartered in Brisbane, includes 20 operations around the world and a workforce of approximately 30,000 people.

Dalla Valle said there had been an overwhelming response to employment opportunities at the mine, with more than 30,000 applications received for around 900 new positions at the Daunia and Caval Ridge mines.

In Queensland, the Company's coal portfolio includes seven BMA mines, the Hay Point Coal Terminal, as well as two BHP Billiton Mitsui Coal (BMC) coal mines, South Walker Creek and Poitrel, operated by BHP Billiton.

The natural resources company also owns a large underground silver lead zinc mine, Cannington mine, in north west Queensland, headquartered in Townsville.