When production could start on $1.5B CQ mega mine

The project could support up to 2350 jobs if approved.

PRODUCTION at the $1.5 billion Valeria coal project could start as early as 2026, if it is approved.

That is according to proponent Glencore, which has welcomed the State Government's decision to recognise the proposed mine as a co-ordinated project under the state project approvals project.

Glencore Australian coal assets chief operating officer Ian Cribb said the project would replace production from other Glencore operations as they come to the end of their mine lives, including Clermont coal mine.

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"Our Australian coal operations will continue to produce the high quality coal required to meet expected levels of global steel production and energy demand in Asia," Mr Cribb said.

"In Queensland, coal continues to be an important driver of the economy as a source of jobs, royalties, reliable energy and support for local businesses both in the city and the bush."

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If approved, the metallurgical and thermal coal mine near Emerald could support up to 1400 constructions jobs and 950 full-time operational jobs over a 35-year lifespan.

Last year, Glencore's coal operations contributed more than $4 billion to the Queensland economy.

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