Whitehaven Coal’s $1bn coal mine in Qld edges closer to construction

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The Queensland Government has released a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for Whitehaven Coal’s $1 billion metallurgical coal mine in Central Queensland that could unlock 1000 new jobs in the state.

Located 30km south-east of Moranbah, in the Bowen Basin, the Winchester South Project involves  the construction of a new open-cut coal mine, a coal processing plant and a rail loop to connect with the existing Bowen Basin coal rail network, providing access to port multiple ports.

The EIS for the project, which is now available for public comment, will run for six weeks and will close on 15 September 2021.

Whitehaven Coal Managing Director and CEO Paul Flynn welcomed the announcement that the draft EIS for the project has been made available for public comment.

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“Since acquiring Winchester South in 2018, our team has developed a detailed project design that capitalises on the site’s position in a well-established coal region,” said Mr Flynn.

“As our first development in Queensland, we’ve built productive relationships with the community, local council, the Barada Barna Aboriginal Corporation, government, and other stakeholders, all of whom have been critical to developing the proposal.

“This Project will support ongoing economic development in regional Queensland and importantly in the customer countries where the product will be used. We encourage any interested parties to have a say as part of this public notification process.”

Resources Minister Scott Stewart said that if approved, the project would be a massive jobs and business boost for Central Queensland and the Isaac region particularly.

“Whitehaven Coal has a strong record of local employment and is committed to maintaining local employment here in Queensland,” the Minister continued.

“Ongoing investment in our resources sector continues to underpin Queensland’s economic recovery plan and prove that Queensland is the place to be when it comes to resources investment.”

The EIS is available on the Co-ordinator General’s Winchester South project page.

Image credit: https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/92864