- The Queensland Government has given the green light for construction to begin at the state’s third-largest coal mine
- The announcement has attracted criticism from conservation groups, as a section of koala habitat will be cleared to make way for the project
- But, the project has all the necessary approvals to go ahead with the State Government approving construction yesterday
- The Queensland Premier estimates the Olive Downs Coking Coal Project will create over 1500 local jobs
- At its peak, the project should produce up to 15 million tonnes per annum of coal, to be exported to Japan and China
- While over its 79-year mine life, Olive Downs will add $10 billion to Queensland’s economy
The Queensland Government has given the green light for construction to begin at the state’s third-largest coal mine in the Bowen Basin.
However, the announcement has attracted criticism from conservation groups as a 55 square kilometre section of koala habitat will be cleared to make way for the mine.
The new mine
The criticism comes despite the groups failing to oppose Pembroke Resources’ $1 billion Olive Downs Coking Coal Project when it was open for public consultation.
The Olive Downs Project has now progressed to the point of being ready for constructions to begin, with Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk throwing her support behind advancing the mine.
In an announcement yesterday, one month out from the upcoming state election, Premier Palaszczuk said this regional project will help the wider Queensland economy recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“My Government is delivering our plan for Queensland’s economic recovery, and the resources sector will continue to be an important part of that plan,” she said.
“The resources industry has a long future in Queensland, whether it’s metallurgical coal from the Bowen Basin, bauxite from Weipa or rare earth minerals from the North West Minerals Province,” she added.
The mine is expected to generate 500 construction jobs, with an additional 1,000 workers needed once the project is up-and-running.
Olive Downs is also expected to contribute $8 billion to the local economy and more than $10 billion to the wider Queensland’s economy over its full 79-year lifespan.
Additionally, owner Pembroke Resources said once the mine is operating at its peak – it should produce up to 15 million tonnes per annum of coal, to be exported to Japan and China.
The criticism
Despite the obvious economic benefits associated with the project, critics argue the new mine could wipe out a local koala population by reducing their overall habitat.
The Australian Conservation Foundation’s (ACF) Gavan McFazdean told the ABC clearing more of the endangered species habitat could lead to disaster.
“Clearing those forests pushes this species closer to extinction,” Gavan explained.
“We’re concerned about any new, large coal projects going ahead in Australia — particularly those that will be destroying vulnerable koala habitat,” he added.
But, the Olive Downs project was granted environmental approval in May this year after previously being granted the go-ahead by the Environmental Authority the year before.
Construction at the new mine is expected to begin in the coming months, with Pembroke Chairman Barry Tudor stating the mining lease approvals were the final hurdle.
“We are extremely pleased to have been granted the Mining Leases, having consulted extensively with the local community over the past four years,” he said.
“In addition to our commitment to the environment, we have focused on creating local jobs and proactively engaged with all stakeholders, including establishing a strong relationship with Barada Barna as the traditional owners of the land,” he added.