Review cements plans to advance New Acland mining
By Industry Queensland
New Hope Group has welcomed review findings that the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water made the correct decision in granting New Acland Mine Stage 3 an Associated Water Licence.
The independent, internal review outcome meant groundworks and operations could now be fast-tracked – with the first shipment of New Acland Mine Stage 3 coal likely to leave site in October 2023, the company said.
“New Acland Stage 3 is the most reviewed and scrutinised resources project in Queensland’s history,” a New Hope spokesman said.
“The exhaustive approvals process was overseen by multiple Queensland government ministers, countless, hardworking public servants and most recently independent experts who evaluated every aspect of the project and found New Acland Mine Stage 3 stacks up environmentally, socially and financially.
“The Land Court process, the Coordinator General’s extensive consultation process, the separate independent assessments of the Queensland Department of Environment and Science and the Minister for Resources, the thorough examination by the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water and most recently the independent, Internal Review has allowed everyone, including the mine’s objectors, to be heard.”
Related: New Hope details New Acland ramp-up plans
Operations recommenced at New Acland Mine Stage 3 in November last year, with more than 100 workers now on site.
The permanent, full-time workforce is forecast to reach 400 people within the next two years. At the peak of construction there will be close to 600 local workers on site at New Acland Mine.
New Hope said preparations were being finalised for heavy machinery to return to work, while the installation and upgrade of dozens of noise, dust and water monitoring stations had been completed.
New Acland Mine has also issued expressions of interest for major capital works projects, with a view to working in partnership with local contractors and suppliers to build key Stage 3 infrastructure, including a materials handling facility, train load out facility, rail lines, roads, bridges and dams.
