Two steelmaking coal mines in Central Queensland have been approved, bringing up to 130 good regional jobs.
Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the approval of Futura Resources’ Fairhill and Wilton projects significantly boosted the region’s employment and economy.
“This investment is a strong vote of confidence in the Queensland resources sector and our state’s large deposits of high-quality steelmaking coal,” Minister Stewart stated.
Minister Stewart added that these initiatives, located in the Bowen Basin, will profit from the infrastructure already in place thanks to the adjacent 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,” Minister Stewart said.
According to the Minister, this implies that local communities will profit from job possibilities and the economic ripple effects of these initiatives from Emerald to Gladstone.
The Wilton and Fairhill projects are located 50 kilometres north of Emerald, with coal processing using existing infrastructure at the nearby Gregory-Crinum mine.
Construction is planned to begin in early 2023, with coal production beginning within six months.
Both mines have a proposed 10-year lifespan that might be extended to more than 20 years with further investigation.
Futura Resources Chief Executive Officer Ben Dunlop said coal continues to play an essential role in Australia’s and the world’s steelmaking and energy mix.
“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 projects 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,” Dunlop stated.
According to Dunlop, one of the significant advantages of moving forward with mining projects in Queensland is that the State has very well-regulated safety standards, with professionally managed, gradually rehabilitated, and environmentally sound mines.
Minister Stewart stated that a recent Queensland Treasury report revealed that steelmaking coal will continue to be an important international export commodity for the State 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,” the Minister said.
The Minister added that the Queensland Government continues to promote its resources industry, which directly supports over 75,000 jobs across the State, particularly in the regions.
