Bowen Coking Coal’s Burton Complex, 42 kilometres northeast of Moranbah in Central Queensland, has reopened.
The Burton complex contains the Lenton pits, Broadmeadow East (BME) pit and Burton pits consisting of three unmined open-cut deposits: Ellensfield South, Plumtree North and Isaac. The complex is currently producing 1.1 million tonnes per year with coal transported to the nearby Dalrymple Bay Coal terminal for shipping overseas.
Bowen is also exploring further several potential historic pit extensions and additional unmined areas for mining potential.
The first coal from Broadmeadow East was shipped from Mackay’s Dalrymple Bay Coal terminal in January.
The complex is expected to produce up to 4.5 million tonnes of mainly steelmaking coal for export every year when it reaches full capacity.
Resources Minister Scott Stewart said Bowen Coking Coal continued to invest in the project, which has already seen coal produced and shipped from the Broadmeadow East mine.
“Queensland has high quality resources, a skilled workforce and world-class infrastructure but it takes investors to turn these into jobs and business opportunities in our regional communities.
“The company has invested significantly in the region by refurbishing the coal handling facility as well as the 350-bed workers’ camp.
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the reopening of the Burton Complex means hundreds more jobs for the region.
“This is a sign of strong confidence in Queensland’s resources sector, including our state’s large deposits of high-quality steelmaking coal.”
