The Queensland Government has approved the expansion of the Carborough Downs metallurgical coal mine.
The extension of the existing Carborough Downs Underground Mine will see a production capacity of up to 1.5 million tonnes per annum run of mine coal utilising the bord and pillar mining technique, which will supplement the existing production. The estimated total run of mine over the project’s life is 8.4 million tonnes of coal.
The project will be a continuation of underground coal mining operations that are currently underway at the Carborough Downs Underground Mine. The existing surface and underground infrastructure will be utilised to access and support the extraction.
Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the extension of the mine near Moranbah would increase the mine’s lifespan by another 11 years.
“The Carborough Downs mine is a significant employer and economic contributor for the Isaac region and this extension ensures the future stability of those jobs,” Mr Stewart said.
“This investment is a strong vote of confidence in Queensland resources sector, including our state’s large deposits of high-quality steelmaking coal.
“Importantly, this extension will create flow on economic benefits for the entire Isaac region, from tools, safety and workwear suppliers right through to our pubs, café’s and accommodation providers.”
“Queensland offers a great lifestyle and having good jobs available in the regions is an important way to sustain this.”
Carborough Downs is an underground metallurgical coal mine which is owned and operated by Fitzroy Australia.
The mine currently supports about 700 employees, with nearly 70 per cent of its workforce being local or drive in, drive out workers.
Coal production from the mine’s extension is expected to begin within the next 12 months.
Mr Stewart said Queensland is naturally blessed with the world’s highest quality metallurgical coal, which the world needs to make steel.
“Even as the world transitions to renewables, metallurgical coal for steel will remain an essential, and valuable, international export commodity for Queensland.”
