Approximately 130 good regional jobs are set to be created following the approval of two steelmaking coal mines in Central Queensland.
Giving the green light to develop Futura Resources’ Fairhill and Wilton projects near Emerald will provide a significant boost to the regional economy as well as the workforce.
“This investment is a strong vote of confidence in the Queensland resources sector and our state’s largest deposits of high-quality steelmaking coal.
“These projects are in the heart of the Bowen Basin and will benefit from the existing infrastructure in place from nearby mines.
“At their peak, these two mines will produce more than three million tonnes per year of steelmaking coal, which will be processed then transported by rail to the Port of Gladstone and exported to key international markets.
“This means from Emerald to Gladstone, regional communities will benefit from job opportunities and the economic flow-on effects of these projects,” Resources Minister Scott Stewart said.
The two mines sit adjacent to one another and are situated about 50 kilometres north east of Emerald. Coal extracted from the Fairhill and Wilton projects will be processed using existing infrastructure at the nearby Gregory-Crinum mine.
Construction on both mines is due to begin in early 2023 and coal production is expected to start within six months.
The Fairhill and Wilton projects have an initial 10-year mine life, with a possibility of expanding it to more than 20 years with continued exploration.
“We see ourselves as a sustainable, low environmental footprint producer utilising nearby existing infrastructure, including coal processing facilities which will be 50 per cent powered by renewable energy by end of 2023.
“We believe these project are well positioned to meet future market demand for high quality steelmaking coal and we will be supporting the people and communities of Central Queensland by using local suppliers and contractors where possible.
“One of the big upsides of advancing mining projects in Queensland is that we have very well-regulated safety standards, with mines that are well managed, progressively rehabilitated and environmentally sound,” Futura Resources Chief Executive Office Ben Dunlop said.
According to Minister Stewart, a recent analysis by the Queensland Treasury showed that steelmaking coal will remain as an essential international commodity for Queensland until at least 2050.
“Treasury forecasts show Queensland will likely remain the world’s largest seaborne exporter of steelmaking coal for many decades to come.
“Our state is blessed with the world’s highest quality steelmaking coal and highly skilled workforce, which is why we continue to attract investment from companies like Futura.
“The Palaszczuk Government continues to back our resources industry, which directly supports about 75,000 good jobs across the state, particularly in our regions,” Minister Stewart said.
Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Futura Resources; Australian Mining; Australian Resources; Trailer Magazine