Carmichael Coal Mine and Rail Project declared ‘significant project’

The Coordinator-General has declared the proposed Carmichael Coal Mine and Rail Project a Significant Project.

Premier Anna Bligh said the proposed $10 billion Galilee Basin project would now undergo a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The EIS will assess any potential environmental, economic or social impacts of the proposed project.

“The declaration of a significant project is not an approval rather the start of the Coordinator-General’s stringent EIS process,’’ Ms Bligh said.

“Indian company Adani Mining is proposing to establish both a greenfield open-cut coal mine and an underground mine in the Galilee Basin.

“The proposed $4.1 billion mines would be supported by $6 billion rail facilities leading to coal export terminals at Abbot Point, Hay Point or both with coal from the mine to predominantly service the Indian domestic power market.”

Ms Bligh said if approved, the proposed mines would be located about 260km north-west of Emerald.

“The project could employ 4000 people during construction and a permanent operational workforce of up to 5000 employees,’’ Ms Bligh said.

“In addition, the railway development could employ approximately 2000 people during construction and an operational workforce of up to 120 – with an estimated total job creation of more than 11,000.’’

Production could commence with an initial output of 2 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) in 2014, increasing to deliver a maximum of 60 Mtpa in 2022.

The proposed mine is the fifth project under consideration in the region. Other projects include:

Hancock’s proposed $7.9 billion Alpha Coal project with a 30 million tonne open cut Alpha mine and a 495-kilometre rail line from the Galilee Basin to the Abbot Point coal terminal. Hancock is also well advanced in preparing an Environmental Impact Statement for its proposed $6.5 billion, 30 million tonne open-cut and underground mine at Kevin’s Corner.

Waratah Coal’s proposed $7 billion Galilee Coal Project which includes an open cut coal mine approximately 450km west of Rockhampton and a new rail line to link the mine to Abbot Point export facilities.

AMCI (Alpha) and Bandanna Energy’s $1.5 billion proposed South Galilee Coal Project proposes to develop a greenfields coal mine southwest of Alpha.

The projects could generate an estimated total of more than 17, 000 jobs or - in conjunction with the proposed Carmichael Coal and Rail Project - a total of more than 28,000 construction and operational jobs in the Galilee Basin alone.

For more information on the Carmichael Coal and Rail Project visit: http://www.dip.qld.gov.au/projects/index.php