The Daunia open-cut coal mine was opened by BHP on September 3, with Queensland Resources Council (QRC) Chief Executive Michael Roche stating that it sets a new benchmark for model 21st century mining operation.
The mine, located 30km south-east of Moranbah, also features a coal handling preparation plant with a yield of four million tonnes per annum (mtpa).
Mr Roche said that almost half of the 450 people working at Daunia were recruited from the Brisbane and Cairns regions, with an “emphasis on attracting women and Indigenous people” to the coal industry.
“As a result, 27 percent of the Daunia workforce is female and five percent indigenous – a remarkable achievement and a credit to BHP Billiton and their joint venture partners Mitsubishi Development.”
Daunia mine could also provide opportunities for apprenticeships in Mackay over its lifetime.
Mr Roche said the coal industry was working through the “toughest market conditions in a decade” but there was no denying long-term demand for Queensland’s high quality coals.
“Queensland is fortunate in having an industry with the foresight to invest in the state’s long-term prosperity, and with the Daunia model, an industry prepared to go out of its way to share the benefits with people from around the state.”
