Works packages are starting to roll out for the $1.24 billion Corvus metallurgical coal project, 17km north of Emerald.

Australian-owned private company Corvus Resources is advancing the greenfield development, which was declared a coordinated project in April.

A company spokeswoman said development activities were continuing to plan, with early contract works now out to tender and approvals progressing.

“The first contract works package to the market was the design and supply of the project’s underground conveyor systems, issued to prequalified suppliers,” she said.

“We have a couple of further packages, including longwall equipment, expected to follow in the next few weeks.”

The Corvus project’s mining lease applications were submitted to the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing, and Regional and Rural Development last month, and the EIS is underway.

Related: Terms of reference out for $1.24bn coal project

The mine will produce up to 10.5 million tonnes of raw coal annually for 25 years.

Construction is expected to require up to 284 personnel. Once in operation, the mine is expected to employ about 500 people.

The underground mine is planned to use autonomous longwall technology, according to the initial advice statement submitted for the project.

The mine design will require the development of infrastructure including mine access drifts/shafts and underground roadways to access and service the underground mining areas, a coal wash plant, train load-out facility, underground and surface conveyor systems, power transmission and distribution infrastructure (powerlines and substations) and water management systems (dams and other water management infrastructure).

• Potential suppliers can register interest in the project via an inquiry form on the company’s website at https://corvusresources.com.au/contact/