BM Alliance Coal Operations has proposed amending its Red Hill Mining Lease Application to pencil in an extension of the Broadmeadow underground mine and a “future incremental expansion” of the Goonyella Riverside Mine.
Minister for state development, infrastructure and planning Jeff Seeney said that this proposed project will be subject to a ‘rigorous approvals process’ by the Queensland government.
Mr Seeney said that an environmental assessment will consider the potential economic, environmental or social impacts of the proposed project.
Up to 2,000 construction jobs may be created if the proposed project is approved, with another 1,500 ongoing, operational jobs also forecast, providing what Mr Seeney says would be a “massive economic boost for Queensland”.
He adds that while the government would like to see projects with major economic benefits succeed, it needs to ensure that there are strategies in place to minimise, avoid or mitigate any negative impacts.
“That’s why this project will, like all others, go through a complex and thorough assessment and I am pleased to receive advice from the Coordinator-General that the environmental assessment of this project is now underway,” he said.
The project will be assessed under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971.
