Boggabri coal mine extension to drive investments and job creation in the region

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Image credit: idemitsu.com.au

Minister for Industry and Science Ian Macfarlane has welcomed the completion of the Boggabri coal mine extension, saying it will bring “substantial economic and social benefits” to the region for the next two decades.

Image credit: idemitsu.com.au
Image credit: idemitsu.com.au

“Mines like Boggabri are the lifeblood of many regional communities and underline the importance of the resources sector to our national economy,” Mr Macfarlane said in a media statement.

“The Boggabri mine has been supporting the communities of Boggabri, Narrabri, and Gunnedah since 2006. This expansion of the mine, which produces both thermal and metallurgical coal, will allow the mine to create jobs and support local businesses that service it.”

The expansion project was spearheaded by Japan’s Idemitsu Australia Resources, which  has spent 18 months building a new coal handling and preparation plant that can process 500 tonnes of coal per hour, a new 17 kilometre rail spur line with bridges over the Namoi River and Kamilaroi Highway and a new rail load-out facility and product stockpile areas.

Adertisement

The project also included building a new workshop/warehouse complex and offices, as well as upgrading electrical infrastructure and local roads to improve traffic management.

Boggabri Mine’s General Manager Ray Balks said the additional infrastructure at the mine would support the continuation of mining beyond 2030 and an increased sales production of up to seven million tonnes each year.

“The continuation of mining will allow the Boggabri Mine to deliver economic, social, and environmental benefits to the community. This includes an estimated $360 million annually in the regional economy through salaries and business with local suppliers,” he said.

Mr Macfarlane said that coal would continue to play an important role in the energy mix for years to come, both domestically and throughout the region.

“Coal is our second largest export earner and there’s a growing demand within the Asia-Pacific region. Japan has long been one of Australia’s leading export markets for coal and we welcome Idemitsu’s continuing investment in developing these resources,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“We are proud of the longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship between Australia and Japan, which spans over 50 years of trade in energy and mineral commodities which, in turn, supply us with valuable goods for everyday life. Australia will continue to be a competitive, reliable trade partner in meeting Japan’s energy and resources needs into the future.”