The Queensland Government has approved a $314.9 million extension to the Ensham Coal Mine near Emerald, securing the jobs of more than 700 workers in Central Queensland.
The Government says the approval will allow the mine to operate for an additional nine years, tapping into a potential further 88 million tonnes of coal and ensuring future supply to both domestic and international markets.
“Queensland’s world-class coal industry has a strong future, with more than 400 coal-fired power stations under construction around the world and global coal demand nearly doubling since 2000,” said Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Dale Last.
“But during Labor’s decade of decline, investor confidence sank to rock bottom, putting thousands of Queensland coal jobs and regional communities at risk. The Crisafulli Government is righting the ship by giving mining proponents a fair hearing and delivering confidence to investors so they can create jobs.”
The project was approved by the Federal Government in 2023 under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), and its State approval follows the development of a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Management Plan.
Member for Gregory, Sean Dillon said the approval would provide certainty for local families and businesses.
“This is great news for our region, particularly the workers at Ensham, their families, and the many local businesses that support the mine and benefit from it,” Mr Dillon said.
“When you secure more than 700 jobs in a regional community, that means school fees are paid, apprentices are taken on, and small businesses are backed in.
“Our region has always carried its weight when it comes to powering Queensland’s economy, and this approval shows that under the Crisafulli Government, our contribution is both respected and backed in.”
