New mine: CQ coal project promises 2350 jobs

A new billion-dollar mine has been proposed for the Bowen Basin could help state recover from shock of global coronavirus pandemic.

A handout photograph taken on March 11, 2009 shows the coal stockpile at Aquila Resources Ltd.'s Isaac Plains Coal Mine in Bowen Basin, central Queensland, Australia, provided to the media on Friday, Aug. 28, 2009. Baosteel Group Corp., China's largest steelmaker, agreed to buy a 15 percent stake in iron ore and coal company Aquila Resources Ltd., adding to investments in Australia, the biggest producer of the materials. Source: Aquila Resources Ltd. via Bloomberg EDITOR'S NOTE: NO SALES. EDITORIAL USE ONLY. Picture: Aquila Resources Ltd. Via Bloomberg

A NEW $1.5 billion coal mine proposed for the Bowen Basin is a step closer to delivering 2350 jobs to Queensland.

Queensland's independent Co-ordinator-General has declared Valeria coal mine - expected to create 1400 construction jobs and 950 ongoing jobs once operational - a co-ordinated project.

Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick said the proposed mine near Emerald could help the state recover from the shock of the global coronavirus pandemic.

"Projects like this are a vote of confidence in Queensland's future as a diversified economy," Mr Dick said.

"Queensland has been spared some of the worst impacts of the COVID downturn.

"That is thanks in no small part to some of our traditional industries like mining and agriculture, that have been able to keep Queenslanders employed and their markets sustained through these troubled times."

Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick address media at Queensland Parliament, 2 George St, Brisbane, 10th of May 2020. (News Corp/Attila Csaszar)

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The mine will produce a mix of both metallurgical and thermal coal.

Mines Minister Anthony Lynham said the coal from the mine would be used for steelmaking to help rebuild the global economy post-COVID-19.

"Steel is critical for construction, but it's also used for key elements of a renewable energy future like solar panels, wind farms, batteries and electric vehicles," Dr Lynham said.

"The mine's proponent, Glencore, has advised any thermal coal produced by the new mine will be subject to the company's cap on thermal coal output, to support global transition to a low carbon economy."

The Co-ordinator-General will now prepare draft terms of reference for the environmental impact statement and invite community members to have their say on the requirements for the EIS.

Glencore will be required to prepare a comprehensive EIS for the project.

The Co-ordinator-General will assess the environmental, social and economic impacts, including extensive community consultation.

Any environmental values in the project area will be subject to scientific analysis before work starts.

Central Highlands sign. Mining Trail sign. Central Highlands Regional Council. Isaac council. Moranbah generic Picture: Tara Miko

Regional Development Minister Glenn Butcher said the project showed major companies were still keen to invest, despite the current pressures on our economy.

"Through my department of Regional Development, we are working with industry stakeholders to support economic recovery and major projects like this show Queensland business there will be many opportunities in the future," he said.

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Keppel MP Brittany Lauga said the project would provide a confident boost to Central Queensland families doing it tough.

"We are a strong, resilient and hardworking community, so this news will be welcome to families throughout the region as we work towards economic recovery," she said.

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