Thumbs up for extension at Carborough Downs
By Industry Queensland
Bowen Basin coal miner Fitzroy Australia Resources has received the green light for its Carborough Downs South extension project.
Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the extension of Carborough Downs mine near Moranbah would increase the mine’s lifespan by another 11 years and continue to support more than 700 mining jobs.
“This investment is a strong vote of confidence in Queensland resources sector, including our state’s large deposits of high-quality steel-making coal,” Mr Stewart said.
“Importantly, this extension will create flow on economic benefits for the entire Isaac region, from tools, safety and workwear suppliers right through to our pubs, café’s and accommodation providers.”
Coal production from the mine’s extension is expected to begin within the next 12 months.
Fitzroy welcomed the approval. “Together with our development of the Ironbark No.1 mine, the life extension of Carborough Downs demonstrates our commitment to the Moranbah region, our workforce and our industry,” a company spokesman said.
Mr Stewart said the Palaszczuk Government would continue to support the resources sector for the royalties and jobs it generated, particularly in regional Queensland.
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“Queensland is naturally blessed with the world’s highest quality metallurgical coal, which the world needs to make steel,” he said.
“Even as the world transitions to renewables, metallurgical coal for steel will remain an essential, and valuable, international export commodity for Queensland.”
Carborough Downs South will be an underground bord and pillar mine with the ability to produce up to 1.5 Mtpa run of mine (ROM).
In supporting documents, Fitzroy describes the brownfields project as an opportunity for a low-capital, low-environmental impact solution that provides ongoing long-term employment for the region.
Fitzroy Australia Resources acquired Carborough Downs and the nearby Broadlea mine from Brazilian mining giant Vale in November 2016 along with the Ironbark No. 1 coking coal project which it is now developing.
