Brisbane 18 June 2013. Queensland’s Coordinator-General has declared the proposed extension of a coal mine 20 kilometres north of Moranbah in the Bowen Basin a coordinated project.

BM Alliance Coal Operations (BMA) proposes to amend its existing Red Hill Mining Lease Application to allow for an extension of three longwall panels of the existing Broadmeadow underground mine and a future incremental expansion of the existing Goonyella Riverside Mine (GRM).

The proposal would also allow for the future development of the Red Hill underground mine, located to the east of the GRM complex.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the proposed project would be subject to a rigorous approvals process by the Queensland Government.

“The environmental assessment will consider the potential environmental, economic or social impacts of the proposed project,” Mr Seeney said.

“If ultimately approved, this proposed project will be a massive economic boost for Queensland and has the potential to create up to 2,000 construction jobs and 1,500 ongoing, operational jobs.

“At full production, the expansion has the potential to produce an additional 14 million tonnes of high-quality hard coking coal a year, over the mine’s 20-25 year life.

“But while the Newman Government is in the business of growing the business of Queensland and would like to see projects with major economic benefits proceed and succeed, we must ensure we have strategies in place to avoid, minimise or mitigate any impacts.

“That’s why this project will, like all others, go through a complex and thorough assessment and I am pleased to receive advice from the Coordinator-General that the environmental assessment of this project is now underway.

“We welcome these long-term investments in our future which, if they proceed, will allow all Queenslanders to share in the benefits of the resources sector.”

Mr Seeney said the project would be assessed under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971.