A NEW mining boom in Queensland is on the horizon as three major projects in Central Queensland are set to deliver long-term business for ports and coal terminals.
Two coal mines in the Bowen Basin and a copper mine in the state’s northwest between Cloncurry and Mount Isa have gained approval.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli recently secured investment deals with European and Japanese stakeholders during a trade mission to India and Japan.
The Queensland government has declared the northern extension of Peabody’s Centurion Mine a coordinated project.
Deputy premier and state development minister Jarrod Bleijie said the project demonstrated global demand for investment in Queensland resources.
“This coordinated project declaration of Peabody’s Centurion Mine extension demonstrates Queensland’s resources industry is well and truly open for business,” Mr Bleijie said.
“This declaration will fast-track approvals by delivering a coordinated, whole-of-government streamlined assessment process to manage the project.”
The proposed development will adjoin the southern area into the northern area as part of the full Centurion Mine plan.
The site is projected to export premium quality hard coking coal to steelmakers through to 2055.
The mine is expected to produce up to 7.1 million tonnes of coal annually.
Up to 10 petajoules of coal seam gas are to be extracted to safely manage underground methane levels and provide power to Queensland’s gas supply.
Queensland coordinator-general Gerard Coggan spoke of the significance of the coordinated project process.
“This declaration will ensure a comprehensive assessment of the project’s environmental, social, and economic impacts,” he said.
Peabody president and chief executive Jim Grech welcomed the declaration, describing it as a significant milestone in the company development of Centurion Mine.
“Steelmaking coal remains essential for producing the steel that underpins modern life, from homes and bridges to hospitals and renewable energy infrastructure,” he said.
South Africa’s Harmony Gold Mining Company is going ahead with the Eva Copper Mine project in the state’s northwest.
The mine is expected to become an important economic driver for the Port of Townsville and the northwest regional after the closure of Glencore’s Mount Isa Copper Mine.
About 60,000 tonnes of copper will be extracted each year over its estimated 15-year mine life.
The project is to transition to the execution stage, with contractors mobilised to the site in early 2027 to start construction.
Early production is estimated by the second half of 2028.
Treasurer David Janetzki said the CopperString project, which runs from Townsville to Mount Isa, also had been supported by the $200 million North West Energy Fund.
“Eva Copper Mine will add $17 billion to Queensland’s Gross State Product over its anticipated 15-year mine life securing jobs, industry and ensuring our regional and remote communities thrive,” he said.
Natural resources and mines minister Dale Last said the project was testament to the mining history of Mount Isa since the 1920s.
“Eva Copper Mine locks in the next chapter, with a transformational investment by Harmony that delivers jobs for locals and certainty for Queensland mining families,” he said.
Harmony chief executive Beyers Nel spoke of Queensland’s status as a favourable jurisdiction for mining investment.
“We are proud to invest in Queensland’s world-class North West Minerals Province and we look forward to working with all our stakeholders as we move into project execution,” he said.