PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Queensland government has approved the extension of the Carborough Downs metallurgical coal mine.
Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the extension of Carborough Downs, near Moranbah, would increase the mine’s lifespan by 11 years and would support its large workforce, helping to continue supporting good jobs for Queenslanders.
“The Carborough Downs mine is a significant employer and economic contributor for the Isaac region and this extension ensures the future stability of those jobs,” Stewart said.
“This investment is a strong vote of confidence in the Queensland resources sector, including our state’s large deposits of high-quality steelmaking coal. Importantly, this extension will create flow-on economic benefits for the entire Isaac region, from tools, safety and workwear suppliers right through to our pubs, café’s and accommodation providers.”
The underground Carborough Downs, which is owned and operated by unlisted Fitzroy Australia, currently employs 700 staff, with nearly 70% of its workforce being local or drive in, drive out workers.
Coal production from the mine’s extension is expected to begin within the next 12 months.
Stewart said the government would continue to support the resources sector for the royalties and jobs it generated, particularly in regional Queensland.
“The resources industry directly supports about 77 000 jobs across the state, particularly in the regions, which account for around two-thirds of all mining jobs,” he said.
“Queensland is naturally blessed with the world’s highest quality metallurgical coal, which the world needs to make steel. Even as the world transitions to renewables, metallurgical coal for steel will remain an essential, and valuable, international export commodity for Queensland.”