A Central Queensland steel-making metallurgical coal mine extension has been approved, ensuring the continued support of more than 700 mining jobs.
Queensland Resources Minister, Scott Stewart, said the extension of Carborough Downs mine near Moranbah would increase the mine’s lifespan by another eleven years and support its large workforce, helping continue good jobs for Queenslanders.
“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.
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.
Mr Stewart said the investment is a strong vote of confidence in the Queensland resources sector, including its large deposits of high-quality steelmaking coal.
“This extension will create flow-on economic benefits for the entire Isaac region, from tools, safety and workwear suppliers right through to our pubs, cafés and accommodation providers.
“Queensland offers a great lifestyle and having good jobs available in the regions is an important way to sustain this.”
Coal production from the mine’s extension is expected to begin within the next twelve months.
Mr Stewart said the Queensland Government will continue to support the resources sector for the royalties and jobs it generates, particularly in regional Queensland.
“The resources industry directly supports about 77,000 jobs across the state, particularly in the regions, which account for around two thirds of all mining jobs,” 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.”
