Queensland’s mining sector continues to gain momentum, after the BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) declared it will start recruiting for two new projects in the state.
The resources giant announced yesterday (February 20) that it will source 250 full time workers from far north Queensland for the new Daunia and Caval Ridge mines in the Bowen Basin – a decision that could boost opportunities for apprenticeships in Queensland.
Jeff Seeney, the state’s deputy premier, lauded the new developments, saying they will inject an estimated $60 million into the economy each year.
“BMA carried out a thorough assessment process to source the non-residential workforce for the new mines and decided that Cairns would join Brisbane as one of the source regions,” Mr Seeney commented.
“This is good news for the region. Cairns has lagged economically for far too long with unemployment rates almost double the national average.”
The deputy premier went on to say that the projects will not only generate immediate benefits for the Cairns mining workforce, but also boost the retail, hospitality and tourism sectors.
Recruitment is expected to commence immediately, with fly-in fly-out operations from Cairns to Moranbah starting mid-year.
