Opposition Resources spokeswoman Susan McDonald has hailed the opening of the Olive Downs mine and urged the Federal Government to remove impediments to the coal sector.

Speaking at the metallurgical coal mine’s official opening near Moranbah today, Senator McDonald (pictured above) praised mining company Pembroke Resources for realising its major investment in Queensland.

“This shows the naysayers that coal is not dead and that the Bowen Basin must provide high-quality, efficient Australian coal to the world for decades to come,” she said.

The first coal shipment was railed out in January from the site, which boasts a 75-year mine life and approved capacity of 20 million tonnes per annum.

More than 700 people were employed during the construction of the $1 billion project and an operational workforce of 1000 is anticipated at peak production.

After the opening ceremony, Senator McDonald said Australia should aim to be the world’s coal supplier of choice but said anti-mining policies from Labor State and Federal governments were damaging the sector.

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“Even as the world changes its energy sources, demand for coal to make steel will remain, and high-quality Australian coal should be meeting the bulk of that demand,” she said.

“We know how to extract coal safely and to high environmental standards, and our coal burns efficiently so it can be used with lower emissions than other coal around the world.

“But under Labor – both at federal and state level – we see industrial relations laws, energy policies, increased funding to the Environmental Defenders Office and, in Queensland, the world’s highest coal royalties are all combining to tell mining companies they, their money and their jobs are not welcome here.”

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Commenting on the official Olive Downs opening, State Resources Minister said the global demand for Queensland’s steel-making coal would continue growing over the coming decade, because steel was essential for the global transition to clean energy; to make solar power panels, electric cars and wind turbines.

“As a government, we will always support projects that stack up environmentally, socially and financially and Olive Downs ticks all those boxes,” he said.

“Mines like Olive Downs help generate royalties for all Queenslanders which allow us to invest in projects like the new Moranbah Hospital and Copperstring.

“All these investments are at risk because the LNP refuses to back progressive coal royalties which means regional Queensland will miss out.”

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