Glencore’s Valeria Project has just been declared a ‘coordinated project’ by Queensland’s independent Coordinator-General.
The $1.5 billion coal mine project is proposed to be situated approximately 27 kilometres north-west of Emerald within the Bowen Basin, Central Queensland.
According to Glencore, the project area contains metallurgical and thermal coal resource and will produce up to 20 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) Run of Mine (RoM) coal over a life of 35 years.
Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick said the new Valeria coal mine could deliver 1400 construction jobs and 950 ongoing jobs once operational.
“This new mine has the potential to create hundreds of new jobs as Queensland recovers from the extraordinary shock of the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.”
Minister for Regional Development Glen Butcher said the ‘coordinated project’ declaration will help get jobs happening earlier.
“While the COVID-19 pandemic is putting pressure on our economy, this project shows that major companies are still keen to invest and back jobs,” Mr Butcher said.
Mines and Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham added that coal from the mine will be used to make steel that will be vital for the global economy as it recovers from COVID-19.
“Steel is critical for construction, but it’s also used for key elements of a renewable energy future like solar panels, wind farms, batteries and electric vehicles,” Dr Lynham said.
“The mine’s proponent, Glencore, has advised any thermal coal produced by the new mine will be subject to the company’s cap on thermal coal output, to support global transition to a low carbon economy.”
Glencore will be required to prepare a comprehensive environmental impact statement (EIS) for the project, and the Coordinator-General will undertake a rigorous assessment of all environmental, social and economic impacts, including extensive community consultation.
Any environmental values in the project area will be subject to rigorous scientific analysis to understand the feasibility of any impacts proceeding.
The Coordinator-General will now prepare draft terms of reference for the EIS and invite the community to have their say on the requirements for the EIS.