<p>Excel Coal Limited reaffirmed its expansion plans for the Wambo coal mine yesterday after saying it will take full control of the facility.</p> <p>Excel said it would increase its stake in Hunter Valley Coal Pty Ltd to 100% when it purchases the final 25% share in the operation</p> <p>Hunter Valley Coal owns and operates the Wambo mine.</p> <p>Excel confirmed its intention to increase production of thermal coal at Wambo from 3m tonnes to 8m tonnes a year over the next five years, market permitting.</p> <p>The coal is exported through the port of Newcastle, mainly to Japan, to generate electricity. </p> <p>The expansion plans at Wambo include the direct rail transport of the coal from the mine directly to the port of Newcastle by rail.</p> <p>Development consent for the mine was received in February. </p> <br />
