BM Alliance Coal Operations (BMA) is proposing to amend its current Red Hill Mining Lease Application to allow for an extension of three long-wall panels of the Broadmeadow underground mine.
The community has been invited to have their say on the draft terms of reference for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) of the proposed coal mine extension, 20 kilometres north of Moranbah.
If approved, the project is expected to create around 2,000 construction jobs and 1,500 operational jobs, which may lead to opportunities for apprenticeships in Queensland.
The coal mine extension would also allow for future development of the Red Hill underground mine, which lies to the east of the Goonyella Riverside mine.
“This proposed project has great economic potential for Queensland and I welcome the next stage in the proposal’s thorough assessment,” said deputy premier and minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney.
“At full production the expansion has the potential to produce an additional 14 million tonnes of high-quality hard coking coal a year, over the mine’s 20-25 year life.”
The draft terms of reference can be viewed online, with submissions to be sent to RHML@coordinatorgeneral.qld.gov.au by August 12, 2013.
