APPROVED: New $1b coal mine to create 1000 local jobs

EARLY works can begin immediately but it’s expected core construction activities at the mine site will begin in 2021.

The State Government has given Olive Downs mine the green light..

FINAL approvals for the Olive Downs coal mine pave the way for 500 construction jobs and 1000 roles once it is fully operational.

Olive Downs is expected to produce up to 15 million tonnes a year of metallurgical coal, which will be transported by rail to the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal for export to key international markets like Japan, China, India and South Korea.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced the $1 billion Pembroke Resources’ Olive Downs Coking Coal Project had been granted the necessary mining leases, the last of the major approvals required to start building the mine.

The project is expected to contribute an estimated $8 billion to the local economy and more than $10 billion to Queensland’s economy over its 79-year lifespan.

“This means that construction activities can now start, and the company can start hiring the 500 people needed to build the mine,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“My government is delivering our plan for Queensland’s economic recovery, and the resources sector will continue to be an important part of that plan.

MINING PROJECT: A new $1 billion coking coal mine at Olive Downs located south-east of Moranbah in the Bowen Basin has been approved by the Queensland Government.

“The resources industry has a long future in Queensland, whether it’s metallurgical coal from the Bowen Basin, bauxite from Weipa or rare earth minerals from the North West Minerals Province.

“This project takes resources investment in Queensland over the past five years to $21 billion, creating 8000 jobs. “

Mackay MP Julieanne Gilbert said final approvals meant Pembroke could begin delivering more jobs for the Mackay region.

“Olive Downs can now proceed to deliver up to 500 construction jobs building the mine and its associated infrastructure including rail and transmission lines, water pipelines and access roads,” she said.

“When at its peak production, and over its 79-year life, the mine will go on to employ up to 1000 workers in the local region, including in and around Moranbah and Dysart.”

More stories:

FULL LIST: Every winner at the 2020 Queensland Mining Awards

‘Ridiculous’: Red and green tape hampering mining industry

Activists plan phone jam ‘party’ to halt mine’s future

Photos: Miners replace coal dust for glamour at awards night

Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said preparation work for construction at Olive Downs could begin immediately.

“It’s expected core construction activities at the mine site 40km south-east of Moranbah will begin in 2021 with mining starting as soon as construction is complete,” he said.

“At its peak, Olive Downs should produce up to 15 million tonnes per annum of metallurgical coal, which will be transported by rail to the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal for export to key international markets like Japan, China, India and South Korea.”

MINING PROJECT: The proposed site for the Olive Downs coal mine.

The project is expected to contribute an estimated $8 billion to the local economy and more than $10 billion to Queensland’s economy over its 79-year lifespan.

Pembroke chairman and chief executive officer Barry Tudor said the mining lease approvals were the final approval hurdle to begin the first stage of the project.

“We are extremely pleased to have been granted the mining leases, having consulted extensively with the local community over the past four years,” he said.

“In addition to our commitment to the environment, we have focused on creating local jobs and proactively engaged with all stakeholders, including establishing a strong relationship with Barada Barna, the traditional owners of the land, with whom we have an Indigenous Land Use Agreement and Cultural Heritage Management Plan in place.

More stories:

First look at Australia’s most controversial mine

74% believe killing coal jobs risks other jobs: survey

‘Anyone can come’: Adani’s offer to Labor

“Olive Downs has already assembled the key elements required to commence construction following the grant of the mining leases, including securing access to power, water, rail and port, even as finance and offtake partners are finalised.

“Pembroke is committed to providing workers with an opportunity to live in towns near the mine including Moranbah and Dysart and is building sustainable futures for people in the communities in which Olive Downs operates.”

The mine is located east of Moranbah. Picture: Tara Miko

Treasurer Cameron Dick said traditional industries played a key role in the Palaszczuk Government’s $8 billion plan to protect the jobs and businesses of Queenslanders.

“Right through the pandemic we have seen that Queensland’s traditional industries like resources and agriculture have held up well,” the Treasurer said.

“The resource industry is central to Queensland’s economic future, so right across the state it plays an important part in our plan for economic recovery.

“Our strong health response and our strong borders have positioned us well for economic recovery.”

Ms Palaszczuk also released the Mackay/Whitsunday Regional Recovery Action Plan while visiting the $7 million Mackay Resources Centre of Excellence.

“This plan builds on our immediate commitment to keeping the region moving through extra support for businesses, workers and households,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“This includes $10 million for the upgrade of Harrup Park Great Barrier Reef Arena and also $1 million for a business case towards the state’s first Future Food BioHub in Mackay.”

Subscriber benefits:

Your daily dose of Harry Bruce cartoons

Five ways to get more from your digital subscription

WATCH: Your guide to reading the Daily Mercury online

Daily puzzles and Sudoku another reason to stay subscribed

We’re still here: How to contact your journalists

Originally published as