A new coal mine is set to be developed in Queensland’s Bowen Basin as the State’s independent Coordinator-General declares Glencore Australia’s proposed $1.5 billion Valeria Coal Project as a coordinated project, which will fast track the mine through the approvals process.
“This new mine has the potential to create hundreds of new jobs as Queensland recovers from the extraordinary shock of the global coronavirus pandemic.
“Projects like this are a vote of confidence in Queensland’s future as a diversified economy.
“We will keep rolling out our plan to Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs,” Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick said.
The billion-dollar Valeria Coal Project is expected to create up to 1,900 jobs during its construction and about 950 full-time operational jobs over its 35-year mine life.
Mr Dick added that local jobs will be the State Government’s priority.
“Coal mining has a long history in Queensland and will continue to be a major industry for many years to come.
“It’s so vital we keep things moving along in Queensland, despite the current restrictions, and this decision by the Coordinator-General means there will be a long pipeline of work ahead,” the Minister said.
By declaring the Valeria Coal Project a coordinated project, it will help get the mine under construction and creating jobs sooner.
“While the coronavirus pandemic is putting pressure on our economy, this project shows that major companies are still keen to invest and back jobs.
“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,” Minister for Regional Development Glenn Butcher said.
Following this announcement, Glencore is now required to prepare a comprehensive environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Valeria Project. Once submitted, the Coordinator-General will then undertake a rigorous assessment of all environmental, social and economic impacts which will include an extensive community consultation stage.
In turn, the Coordinator-General will now prepare draft terms of reference for the EIS and invite the community to give their feedback on the requirements for the EIS that will be submitted by Glencore.
“Our resources sector is continuing to support the economy and provide jobs for Queenslanders who are facing uncertain times during this coronavirus pandemic.
“Coal from this mine will be used to make steel that will be vital for the global economy as it recovers from COVID-19,” Mines and Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said.
The Valeria Coal Project is going to be located approximately 27 kilometres north-west of Emerald and it will comprise of an open cut mine that contains metallurgical and thermal coal.
Once operational, the Valeria mine will be able to produce up to 20Mtpa of Run of Mine (RoM) coal.
Infrastructure corridors – either existing or going to be built – surrounding the proposed mine will support road and rail transport of coal, electricity, water and communications connections. Alignment options for these are being investigated.
The Valeria Coal Project will be taking over production from Glencore’s other coal operations that are nearing the end of mine lives – including the Clermont coal mine.
“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.
“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,” Glencore’s Chief Operating Officer for Coal Assets in Australia Ian Cribb said.
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Source: Queensland Government; Glencore Australia (1, 2); Australian Mining; Yahoo! News; Mining.com