Surat mine expansion a win for regional Qld

An expansion at the Cameby Downs coal mine near Miles will provide further investment and up to 20 extra jobs for the Western Downs.

Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham today announced approval of mining leases for the expansion project, which will increase production and extend mine life at the open cut site.

“This is a vote of confidence by Yancoal in Queensland’s world-class resources, our infrastructure and our skilled resources workforce,” he said.

“For Western Downs communities like Miles and Chinchilla, it means greater opportunities for the current and future generations of locals to benefit from a strong resources sector in their region.”

Cameby Downs has been producing thermal coal for export since mid-2010. Current approval is 2.8 million “run of mine” tonnes per annum, now set to increase to 3.5 million tonnes.

The planned expansion will extend the mine’s life to 75 years based on the increased approval limit.

Production ramp-up is expected to start immediately, with peak production expected to be achieved within 12 months.

Separately, new owner Sojitz has announced it will re-start production later this year at Gregory Crinum coal mine near Emerald.

Sojitz bought the mothballed project from BMA in a $100 million deal. The site comprises the Crinum underground mine and Gregory open cut mine.

Sojitz also owns Minerva coal mine in the same area, and expects to employ 200-300 workers by the end of the year across all of its sites.

Since Labor came to Government in 2015, resources companies have invested or committed more than $20 billion in projects supporting 7000 jobs.

BACKGROUND

Yancoal is Australia’s largest pure-play coal miner. It operates or manages nine coal mines across New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia, employing about 3,000 people plus contractors and other service providers.

In Queensland it operates Yarrabee and manages Cameby Downs. It is also a joint venture partner in the Middlemount coal mine near Emerald.

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Media inquiries: Jan Martin 0439 341 341