Official opening as New Acland Stage 3 steams ahead

The first shipment of New Acland Stage 3 coal is likely to leave site in August as the Darling Downs operation celebrates an official opening. The opening by Queensland Resources Minister Scott Stewart follows a 16-year approvals process and comes about a month after an independent review affirmed the decision to grant the project an associated water licence. New Hope Group chief executive officer Rob Bishop said the opening of Stage 3 was a defining moment for the region. “Today is a moment of celebration for our workforce, their families, local farmers, landholders, business leaders and the local community,” Mr Bishop said. “I would like to congratulate and thank the Oakey and Darling Downs communities for standing side-by-side New Hope Group over the past 16 years. “Today’s official opening is reward for their perseverance, patience and belief. “The Queensland Government reviewed, assessed and scrutinised this project and found it stacks up environmentally, socially and financially." The company said there were more than a hundred local employees on site at New Acland mine, north-west of Oakey. This will reach about 600 at the peak of construction Throughout the life of the project, the permanent workforce is expected to comprises about 400 full-time roles. Following the New Acland Stage 3 Environmental Authority being issued by the Department of Environment and Science in June 2022, the project mining leases were issued in August 2022 and the associated water licence was granted in October. In March New Hope Group outlined plans for a capital outlay of $384 million over the next two financial years as the New Acland Stage 3 coal project is brought into full production. Production will commence from the Manningvale East Pit, followed by mining in the Willeroo Pit – allowing for an increase in production as the operation expands into night shift. The operation will reach full capacity as the third pit, Manningvale West, comes online – a development requiring the purchase of an additional two fleets and a major road diversion to be constructed. New Hope expects to invest $109 million in the operation’s rail spur, $88 million in the train load-out facility, $81 million for the CHPP and $96 million in other key infrastructure. The heavy mining equipment required to drive for the ramp-up is expected to cost $10 million. IMAGE at top of page: New Hope Group chief executive officer Rob Bishop, Resources Minister Scott Stewart and New Acland mine general manager Dave O’Dwyer at the official opening. PIC: Lyndon Mechielsen

Official opening as New Acland Stage 3 steams ahead

Industry Queensland

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