The State Government has approved a $314.9 million extension of the Ensham thermal coal mine, taking the operation’s life out until about 2037.

Queensland Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dale Last said more than 700 jobs in Central Queensland had been secured through the State’s work with the underground mine’s owner. 

“We’re doing what we said we would—restoring confidence, delivering certainty and getting Queensland open for business again,” Mr Last said. 

“Queensland’s world-class coal industry has a strong future, with more than 400 coal-fired power stations under construction around the world and global coal demand nearly doubling since 2000.” 

The approval will allow the Thungela Group mine, about 35km east of Emerald, to tap into a further 88 million tonnes of coal. 

The project was approved by the Federal Government in 2023 under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

The State approval follows the development of a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Management Plan. 

It comes after Land Court President Peta Stilgoe last year recommended against Mr Last approving the required mining lease unless the coal mine owners showed ‘real and significant progress’ towards mitigating their greenhouse gas emissions.

Without the extension project, the Land Court heard that mining activities at the Ensham site were projected to cease by 2028.

Record global demand for coal

Coal Australia welcomed the mine extension approval, saying it was good news for job security, energy security and trade security.

“It is also part of a worldwide trend,” Coal Australia chief executive officer Stuart Bocking said.

“Not only is global demand for coal at an historic high, but some of the most advanced economies in the world are re-embracing the sector, with the OECD last month confirming power generation from coal increased by 4.5 per cent year-on-year in its member countries as at October 2025.

“Given Queensland has some of the cleanest coal in the world, the Crisafulli government’s extension of coal mining is doing the right thing by jobs, by the domestic economy and helping satisfy record global demand for coal.”

Member for Gregory Sean Dillon said the approval would provide certainty for local families and businesses. 

“This is great news for our region, particularly the workers at Ensham, their families, and the many local businesses that support the mine and benefit from it,” Mr Dillon said. 

“When you secure more than 700 jobs in a regional community, that means school fees are paid, apprentices are taken on, and small businesses are backed in. 

“Our region has always carried its weight when it comes to powering Queensland’s economy, and this approval shows that under the Crisafulli Government, our contribution is both respected and backed in.”  

You may also like: