ENSHAM MINE RECOVERY FAST-TRACKED TO PROTECT JOBS
Published Monday, 21 April, 2008 at 02:26 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Paul Lucas
A flood-hit mine near Emerald will see approvals for its recovery work fast-tracked by the State Government, to ensure coal production levels can get back to normal soon, Premier Anna Bligh said today.
The Ensham coal mine, and a $110 million dragline, were inundated with floodwater back in January, following breaches of the levee banks surrounding the site.
“The recovery process now underway is complex, costly and painstaking, the State Government is stepping in to make sure it gets done quickly,” said Ms Bligh.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Paul Lucas said that Bligh Government recognises that around 3,000 jobs, direct and indirect, will be put in jeopardy if the recovery activity is not completed efficiently and speedily.
“I have now taken the step of prescribing the recovery project to give the Coordinator-General powers to nominate mandatory completion dates in this process.
“This move will slash red tape, cut delays and allow the Coordinator-General to step in and take over responsibility if the parties involved fail to comply with his mandated deadlines.
“Approval of Ensham’s application for the levee banks is now critical to protect the mine in case of further flooding and allow the recovery operation to be completed.
“The recovery work involves pumping water and removing mud from the mine pits, monitoring the stability of the spoil and relocating and repairing the dragline.
“Machinery is also being replaced or repaired, and infrastructure to support a short-term mine plan which includes the construction of a coal wash plant, is part of the recovery project.
“This is vital work that flows on to sales contracts with Ensham’s customers and impacts on the company’s ability to contribute to the regional economy, and to the state, through the royalty system.
“As well as landholders along the Nogoa River who need to make a living, around 3,000 families in central Queensland depend on Ensham for their livelihoods.
“People’s livelihoods are driven by the mine’s ability to meet its overseas customers needs.”
The final bill for recovery work is estimated to reach around $270 million, with $36 million already spent to date.
The costs of the flooding include a revenue shortfall of $380 million for Ensham and a drop in revenue of $49 million for the State Government.
Media contact: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 4600
The Ensham coal mine, and a $110 million dragline, were inundated with floodwater back in January, following breaches of the levee banks surrounding the site.
“The recovery process now underway is complex, costly and painstaking, the State Government is stepping in to make sure it gets done quickly,” said Ms Bligh.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Paul Lucas said that Bligh Government recognises that around 3,000 jobs, direct and indirect, will be put in jeopardy if the recovery activity is not completed efficiently and speedily.
“I have now taken the step of prescribing the recovery project to give the Coordinator-General powers to nominate mandatory completion dates in this process.
“This move will slash red tape, cut delays and allow the Coordinator-General to step in and take over responsibility if the parties involved fail to comply with his mandated deadlines.
“Approval of Ensham’s application for the levee banks is now critical to protect the mine in case of further flooding and allow the recovery operation to be completed.
“The recovery work involves pumping water and removing mud from the mine pits, monitoring the stability of the spoil and relocating and repairing the dragline.
“Machinery is also being replaced or repaired, and infrastructure to support a short-term mine plan which includes the construction of a coal wash plant, is part of the recovery project.
“This is vital work that flows on to sales contracts with Ensham’s customers and impacts on the company’s ability to contribute to the regional economy, and to the state, through the royalty system.
“As well as landholders along the Nogoa River who need to make a living, around 3,000 families in central Queensland depend on Ensham for their livelihoods.
“People’s livelihoods are driven by the mine’s ability to meet its overseas customers needs.”
The final bill for recovery work is estimated to reach around $270 million, with $36 million already spent to date.
The costs of the flooding include a revenue shortfall of $380 million for Ensham and a drop in revenue of $49 million for the State Government.
Media contact: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 4600