It’s official: the Mammoth Underground coal mine in the Queensland Bowen Basin has entered production.
The Queensland Government gave the mine’s owner, Coronado Global Resources, the go-ahead to begin mining by signing off on final regulatory approvals last week.
The $165 million project will produce and ship coal or export to key markets in Asia, Europe and South America, generating up to 259 full time jobs in the process.
Douglas Thompson chief executive officer and managing director said the Mammoth Underground opening is part of the company’s strong track record of continuing to unlock previously untapped potential.
“It marks our first foray into underground mining in Australia and underpins our strategy of delivering organic growth to increase production and lower costs,” he said.
“We have combined our well-established expertise and heritage in underground mining from our US operations with industry leading local partnerships to deliver this mine.”
Coronado has three operations in the US, located in the central Appalachian region in Virginia and West Virginia.
The longest running operation is Coronado’s Buchanan complex, which opened in 1983 and was taken over by the company is 2016.
Curragh has also been in operation since 1983 and was acquired by Coronado in 2018.
Thompson thanked the Queensland Government for its support throughout the Mammoth project, which he said worked closely with the company to bring it to fruition.
“The approvals we received were not just formalities – they were the result of rigorous review, collaboration, and a shared commitment to ensuring that this mine operates with the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and efficiency,” he said.
“The Government’s careful consideration and dedication to responsible resource management have played a crucial role in making this day possible.”
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last – who visited the mine as it officially opened yesterday – said the operation highlights the ongoing success of Queensland’s coal industry.
“This is a significant investment by Coronado demonstrating the confidence in Queensland’s coal industry,” Last said.
“The Curragh mine complex has been operating in the Blackwater region for more than 40 years, supplying metallurgical coal for export and thermal coal directly to Stanwell Energy’s power station to provide electricity for our state.
“The opening of the underground operations ensures future employment security and will deliver additional royalties and taxes to the Queensland Government to fund essential services like schools, hospitals and roads.”
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