Coordinated project status has been granted for the Oline Downs mine near Moranbah in Queensland, Australia.
Queensland Minister for State Development Dr Anthony Lynham said the independent coordinator-general can now conduct the environmental assessment process for Pembroke Resources coking coal mine across the state and federal agencies.
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Lynham said: “This marks the beginning of a process, including comprehensive environmental impact assessment, towards a development that could create more than 500 construction jobs a year over two years.
“When the open-cut mine is up and running, it could maintain up to 960 operational jobs. It would operate for more than 30 years and produce up to 14 million tonnes per year.
“Most importantly, Pembroke Resources will encourage workers to live in local towns like Moranbah, Nebo and Middlemount.”
After complete development, this latest coal mine in the state will be one of the largest coking mines in the world.
Pembroke Resources South is the proponent of the project, which is located nearly 40km south east of Moranbah.
The project will have handling and crushing facilities at the mine’s Olive Downs South and Willunga precincts with a rail link to deliver coal to the Dalrymple Bay terminal.
A water pipeline and power transmission line will also be developed at the site.
Dr Lynham also stated: “The Queensland Government is intent on creating more jobs in the regions, but also at the forefront of our mind is protecting the environment.
“I’d encourage people to get involved and make a contribution to the draft terms of reference when they are released next month.”
He also added that the coordinator-general is expected to release draft terms of reference for the environmental impact statement next month.
