The Carborough Downs metallurgical coal mine in Central Queensland has been given the green light for an extension that will increase its mine life by a further 11 years, continuing its support to more than 700 jobs.
“The Carborough Downs mine is a significant employer and economic contributor for the Isaac region and this extension ensures the future stability of those jobs.
“This investment is a strong vote of confidence in Queensland resources sector, including our state’s large deposits of high-quality steelmaking coal.
“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, cafes and accommodation providers,” Resources Minister Scott Stewart said.
Carborough Downs is owned and operated by Fitzroy Australia, and it is an underground longwall and bord & pillar mining operation located about 25 kilometres east of Moranbah.
Currently, the mine supports approximately 700 employees and about 70 per cent of its workforce are local or are drive in, drive out workers.
Minister Stewart added that the State Government will continue supporting the local resources sector for the royalties as well as jobs it generates, especially in regional areas.
“The resources industry directly supports 77,000 jobs across the state, particularly in the regions, which account for around 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.
“Even as the world transitions to renewables, metallurgical coal for steel will remain an essential, and valuable, international export commodity for Queensland,” Minister Stewart said.
Coal production from the extended Carborough Downs mine is anticipated to commence within the next 12 months.
Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Australian Mining; Fitzroy Australia; NS Energy; Creamer Media’s Mining Weekly