Carborough Downs mine near Moranbah to undergo major expansion

A major Central Queensland coal mine expansion will support hundreds of local job, with production expected to begin in the next 12 months. Here’s what we know.

A major Central Queensland steelmaking mine will undergo a massive expansion after getting the green light from the State Government.

More than 700 jobs will be supported during the expansion of Carborough Downs near Moranbah, increasing the metallurgical coal mine’s lifespan by another 11 years.

The underground mine, which is owned and operated by Fitzroy Australia, currently employs about 700 people, with almost 70 per cent of its workforce being local or drive-in, drive-out workers.

Coal production from the expansion is expected to begin in the next 12 months.

Resources Minister Scott Stewart said Carborough Downs was a “significant” employer and economic contributor to the Isaac region, with the extension ensuring the future stability of jobs.

“This investment is a strong vote of confidence in Queensland resources sector, including our state’s large deposits of high-quality steelmaking coal,” he said.

“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.

“Queensland offers a great lifestyle and having good jobs available in the regions is an important way to sustain this.”

Mr Stewart said the resources sector in Queensland supported about 77,000 jobs, with regional areas accounting for two-thirds of all mining jobs.

“Queensland is naturally blessed with the world’s highest quality metallurgical coal, which the world needs to make steel,” he said.

“Even as the world transitions to renewables, metallurgical coal for steel will remain an essential, and valuable, international export commodity for Queensland.”