BMA investment to create hundreds of jobs

TODAY'S announcement by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) to invest over $200 million into the Bowen Basin will create hundreds of jobs and shows the ongoing strength of the state’s coal industry.

BMA announced it would invest US$204 million in the Caval Ridge Southern Circuit (CRSC) capital growth project. The CRSC is an 11 kilometre overland conveyor system that will transport coal from the company’s Peak Downs Mine to the Coal Handling Preparation Plant (CHPP) at the nearby Caval Ridge Mine.

Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said it was great news for the local community and the broader Queensland coal industry, which had been struggling through a downturn over the past few years.

“These investments are driven by companies willing to invest because they see the fundamental drivers of global demand for high-quality Queensland coal remain strong,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“We know demand remains strong as there is no viable substitute for coking coal in the production of blast-furnace steel – no ‘Uber’ process waiting in the wings.

“This announcement today is good news for the coal sector and the benefits will flow into local communities and local businesses.”

The project will create up to 400 new construction jobs and around 200 ongoing jobs and is scheduled to start this year.

QRC’s current data shows that in 2015-16, the state’s coal industry’s total contribution of $32.7 billion, supported more than 180,000 jobs. The coal industry spent $11.3 billion in Queensland on more than 10,700 local businesses and almost 500 community organisations.

www.qrc.org.au

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