Queensland’s Coordinator-General has declared two major resources projects for fast‑tracked and streamlined assessment.
The $1.24 billion Corvus Metallurgical Coal Project has been declared a Coordinated Project, paving the way for a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process to assess its potential benefits and impacts.
Proposed by Corvus Resources Pty Ltd (Corvus Resources), the project involves the development of a new underground longwall coal mine 17 kilometres north of Emerald.
Once operational, the mine is expected to produce up to 10.5 million tonnes of raw coal annually for 25 years, with approximately 90 per cent of the ultra-low ash metallurgical coal destined for global steelmaking markets via the Port of Gladstone.
Meanwhile, the $400 million Big Vein South Gold Project has been declared a Prescribed Project, granting the Coordinator-General the authority to streamline approvals and fast-track its progress.
Located 120 kilometres north of Richmond, the project is a new open cut gold mine in a greenfield location that is set to provide a major economic boost to North Queensland, creating 980 construction jobs and 380 ongoing operational roles.
With production targeted to commence in 2028, the Big Vein South Gold Project will process approximately 1.95 million tonnes of ore annually, yielding around 100,000 ounces of gold doré each year.
Queensland’s Coordinator-General Gerard Coggan highlighted the importance of the coordinated project process in balancing environmental, social, and economic objectives.
“My declaration ensures a rigorous assessment of the project’s impacts while streamlining approvals through a whole-of-government approach,” Mr Coggan said.
“The Office of the Coordinator-General will work closely with Corvus Resources to ensure economic benefits are maximised while protecting the environment and engaging with the community.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said the Government’s decisive action on major resources projects was part of its commitment to rebuilding Queensland’s economy, supporting regional communities, and ensuring the State remained globally competitive.
“By streamlining approvals and fast‑tracking major projects, we are rebuilding trust with industry, restoring certainty to the system and putting Queensland back on the map as a place that welcomes responsible investment,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
“These declarations send a clear message to the resources and critical minerals sectors, as well as communities: Queensland welcomes projects that create jobs, support regional communities and strengthen our economy.”
Corvus Resources Chief Executive Officer, Chris Coombes welcomed the declaration, recognising it as a significant milestone in the development of the project.
“Corvus Resources is committed to working with the Queensland Government and local stakeholders to deliver a project that supports regional communities, creates jobs and contributes to the state’s long-term economic prosperity,” Mr Coombes said.
Strategic Minerals Corporation Executive General Manager, Sylvia Bhatia said the company had been exploring in the North West Minerals Province for over 30 years resulting in this significant discovery.
“The Prescribed Project declaration is a major milestone for Strategic Minerals and confirms the strategic importance of the BVS Gold Project to Queensland’s North West Minerals Province,” Ms Bhatia said.
“This declaration gives us the confidence to move through the approvals process efficiently and deliver on the significant economic potential the BVS Gold Project represents – for our workforce, for Richmond, and for Queensland.”
