Published Monday, 26 March, 2007 at 04:50 PM

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure
The Honourable Anna Bligh
WANDOAN PROJECT COULD OPEN CENTRAL SURAT BASIN
26 March 2007
The thermal coal reserves of Central Surat Basin could soon be opened up by the Wandoan Project, which has now been declared by the Coordinator-General as a significant under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971, Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure Anna Bligh said.
The Wandoan Project, comprising open cut thermal coal mines and related local infrastructure, is a joint venture proposal by Xstrata Coal, Itochu and Sumisho Coal Australia.
“The coal from the Central Surat Basin is ideally suited for Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle generation and other low emissions technology. Up until now these coal reserves have been largely undeveloped,” Ms Bligh said.
“The Queensland Government welcomes the Wandoan Joint Venture’s decision to prepare a detailed feasibility and environmental impact assessment on the Wandoan Project, so a final decision can be made on whether or not the project will proceed.
“Initial investigations indicate that beyond the $500 million expected to be spent over the life of the mine, the flow-on economic benefits for the surrounding region through employment, training, and component and service contracts are expected to be considerable.
‘The project is expected to produce in excess of 20 million tonnes of coal per year, generating employment for 500 people during construction and 300 when operational.
“The project will proceed through a staged development process that currently targets first coal in late 2011.
“Once completed, the project has the potential to make a valuable contribution to the State’s economy, and longevity of the Queensland coal sector,” said Ms Bligh.
Peter Coates, chief executive of Xstrata Coal said the significant project declaration of the proposed Wandoan Project was a positive step forward for Xstrata Coal.
“A decision to proceed with the project is not expected before 2009, and would be dependent upon the resolution of engineering studies, geological investigation, infrastructure requirements, community and environmental considerations and marketability of the product,” Mr Coates said.
Ms Bligh said the Wandoan Project was also the initial driver for the construction of the rail connection known as the Southern Missing Link.
“Xstrata Coal is a member of the Surat Basin Railway (SBR) Consortium that is planning to build the SBR connecting Wandoan to the existing Moura-Gladstone line,” she said.
“This new $1 billion plus rail connection will see coal from the Surat Basin region transported for export through the proposed Wiggins Island Coal Terminal.
“The Wandoan Project and the SBR are potential catalysts for regional economic growth which the Queensland Government is committed to achieving through its Blueprint for the Bush strategy.”
Other members of SBR are Anglo Coal, Queensland Rail, Industry Funds Management, and Australian Transport and Energy Corridors Ltd.
Media contact: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 6900
The thermal coal reserves of Central Surat Basin could soon be opened up by the Wandoan Project, which has now been declared by the Coordinator-General as a significant under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971, Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure Anna Bligh said.
The Wandoan Project, comprising open cut thermal coal mines and related local infrastructure, is a joint venture proposal by Xstrata Coal, Itochu and Sumisho Coal Australia.
“The coal from the Central Surat Basin is ideally suited for Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle generation and other low emissions technology. Up until now these coal reserves have been largely undeveloped,” Ms Bligh said.
“The Queensland Government welcomes the Wandoan Joint Venture’s decision to prepare a detailed feasibility and environmental impact assessment on the Wandoan Project, so a final decision can be made on whether or not the project will proceed.
“Initial investigations indicate that beyond the $500 million expected to be spent over the life of the mine, the flow-on economic benefits for the surrounding region through employment, training, and component and service contracts are expected to be considerable.
‘The project is expected to produce in excess of 20 million tonnes of coal per year, generating employment for 500 people during construction and 300 when operational.
“The project will proceed through a staged development process that currently targets first coal in late 2011.
“Once completed, the project has the potential to make a valuable contribution to the State’s economy, and longevity of the Queensland coal sector,” said Ms Bligh.
Peter Coates, chief executive of Xstrata Coal said the significant project declaration of the proposed Wandoan Project was a positive step forward for Xstrata Coal.
“A decision to proceed with the project is not expected before 2009, and would be dependent upon the resolution of engineering studies, geological investigation, infrastructure requirements, community and environmental considerations and marketability of the product,” Mr Coates said.
Ms Bligh said the Wandoan Project was also the initial driver for the construction of the rail connection known as the Southern Missing Link.
“Xstrata Coal is a member of the Surat Basin Railway (SBR) Consortium that is planning to build the SBR connecting Wandoan to the existing Moura-Gladstone line,” she said.
“This new $1 billion plus rail connection will see coal from the Surat Basin region transported for export through the proposed Wiggins Island Coal Terminal.
“The Wandoan Project and the SBR are potential catalysts for regional economic growth which the Queensland Government is committed to achieving through its Blueprint for the Bush strategy.”
Other members of SBR are Anglo Coal, Queensland Rail, Industry Funds Management, and Australian Transport and Energy Corridors Ltd.
Media contact: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 6900