Coronado officially opens Curragh’s Mammoth Underground Project

A new underground mine set to deliver hundreds of jobs has cut first coal, with up to two million tonnes (mt) in saleable production expected.

Coronado Cuts First Coal At Mammoth Underground Mine on December 19

A new underground mine in the Bowen Basin has cut first coal, marking a significant milestone in Queensland’s mining history.

Mammoth Underground Mine is part of Coronado Global Resources’ Curragh Complex, made of the two open cut mines - Curragh North and Curragh South.

Located 14km north of Blackwater or about two hours west of Rockhampton and with 290 mt of reserves at the end of 2023, Curragh is one of the largest metallurgical coal mines in the world and has an approximate 20-year mine life.

Mammoth’s underground capacity has remained untouched until now.

Coronado Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Douglas Thompson said the Mammoth Underground opening was the company’s entry into underground mining operations in Australia.

Coronado Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Douglas Thompson said the Mammoth Underground opening was the first step in the company’s entry into underground mining operations in Australia.

“We expect to see Mammoth deliver up to 2 million tonnes (mt) saleable production once ramped up and fully operational in 2025,” he said.

The new underground operations at Coronado’s Curragh Complex are expected to generate an additional 259 full-time jobs, on top of its 2250-strong workforce.

Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dale Last said the opening is an example of Queensland’s ongoing success in coal mining.

During a visit to the mine site on December 19, Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dale Last said the opening is an example of Queensland’s ongoing success in coal mining.
“This is a significant investment by Coronado demonstrating the confidence in Queensland’s coal industry,” he said.

“The Curragh mine complex has been operating in the Blackwater region for more than 40 years, supplying metallurgical coal for export and thermal coal directly to Stanwell Energy’s power station to provide electricity for our state.

“The opening of the underground operations ensures future employment security and will deliver additional royalties and taxes to the Queensland Government to fund essential services like schools, hospitals and roads.”