Argo Natural Resources has restarted operations at the New Burton Coal Mine, providing hundreds of regional Queensland coal jobs.
Argo restarted mining activities at the Bowen Basin site on 12 November, securing the long-term future of 275 workers, the majority of whom are local residents. The milestone comes less than six months after Argo completed its 100 per cent acquisition of Bowen Coking Coal from administrators on 30 June.
The mine is targeting steady-state production in the first quarter of 2027, with plans to deliver between 2.5 million and 3 million tonnes of product coal annually to the market.
New Burton marks the fourth Queensland coal asset in Argo’s growing portfolio alongside the Broadlea, Carborough Downs, and Ironbank mines. Across all four operations, the consortium’s investments support approximately 1,250 employees, contractors, and suppliers.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli hailed the reopening as a major vote of confidence in the state’s resources sector, noting Argo’s investment was secured through discussions during his trade mission to Japan last year alongside state moves to restore regulatory and taxation certainty.
“We’ve restored stability for mining in Queensland, allowing the sector to plan and invest with confidence, which is delivering more jobs and a stronger economy,” Crisafulli said.
“This is a stamp of approval for Queensland’s coal industry and protects the livelihoods of hundreds of workers who can continue to live and work in Central Queensland.”
Argo CEO Richard Livingstone-Blevins praised the team for bringing the complex back online safely and swiftly.
“New Burton is the next piece in our connected portfolio of high-quality coal assets and puts us firmly on the path to our target of 10 million product tonnes a year by 2028,” Livingstone-Blevins said.
“We are very proud that New Burton is already making an important contribution to our region by securing jobs for 275 people who are mostly locals.”