Stanwell propose 186 hectare expansion for Meandu Mine to power Tarong stations

Queensland’s largest energy generator has big plans for the future with a huge project set to safeguard the jobs it delivers throughout the South Burnett region.

Stanwell has proposed to expand Meandu Mine to keep the Tarong Power stations running.

Queensland’s largest energy generator Stanwell Corporation has proposed to expand the South Burnett’s Meandu Mine to keep the Tarong Power stations up and running for another 17-21 years.

Stanwell is proposing to stretch the existing mining area by about 186 hectares within the existing mining lease, which is expected to begin in 2024.

The proposal comes months after Stanwell committed to embracing a future of renewable energy once Tarong’s ageing turbines reach their end of life date, predicted between 2038 and 2042.

Until this point, Stanwell will continue to operate its coal-fired assets in the South Burnett, with the expansion – named the King 2 East project (K2E) – identified as the best option for keeping the turbines running.

Stanwell Corporation has proposed a 186 hectare expansion of the Meandu Mine.

A Stanwell spokeswoman said the K2E project would involve expanding a mine pit within the existing mining lease and using Meandu’s existing fleet, mining equipment and infrastructure.

The project is designed to keep the power stations running and not to increase production, meaning regional jobs will be preserved but not created.

“(K2E) represents a continuity of employment within the local community, as well as the benefits which are associated with direct employment of people in the South Burnett region,” the spokeswoman said.

She said the project has a significantly smaller environmental impact than the establishment of new mining pits or a new coal mine and will provide substantial commercial and community benefits for Queensland.

The K2E project has been referred to the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Water, and the Environment, who’ll determine whether it’s considered a controlled action under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.