PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Queensland government has declared the A$90-million Isaac Downs coal project a prescribed project, with project construction slated to start as early as 2021, pending necessary approvals.

Minister for Regional Development Glenn Butcher said the project, being developed by ASX-listed Stanmore Coal, would provide ongoing long-term employment for workers at the region’s existing Isaac Plains Mining Complex and also create new jobs and economic growth.

“As we implement Queensland’s plan to strengthen our economy in the wake of the global coronavirus pandemic, project like this have the potential to play an important role for regional Queensland,” Butcher said.

“Pending all necessary approvals and Stanmore Coal’s business plans, project construction could begin as soon as early 2021 with the mine possibly becoming operational in mid- to late 2021.

“The construction phase of the project is expected to create 250 jobs. The project will also provide ongoing long-term employment for workers at the company’s existing Isaac Plains Mining Complex, with 220 workers transferred to the new mine.

“In addition, Stanmore Coal estimates that when operational, the new mine will create an additional 80 new jobs,” Butcher said.

The opencut Isaac Downs metallurgical coal mine is expected to produce some 35-million tonnes of run-of-mine coal over a mine life of 16 years, with the project expected to contribute more than A$200-million of coal royalties to the Queensland government over that time.

Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the resources sector was one of Queensland’s traditional economic strengths, and was a key element of Queensland's economic plan for recovery.

“The resources sector has worked closely with government, unions and health authorities to continue its operations, maintain jobs, while protecting the health and safety of its workforce and the communities they live and work in.

“Ongoing investment in Queensland’s resources sector shows confidence in our resources, our workers and our economy.”

The prescribed project declaration allows the Coordinator-General to work with Stanmore Coal to ensure all necessary project approvals are obtained in a timely manner.

“The prescribed project declaration will assist in securing timely approvals for the project, whilst providing high standards of environmental protection,” Stanmore’s CEO Craig McCabe said.