Major coal investment for Central Queensland - QRC

STATEMENT by QRC Deputy Chief Executive Judy Bertram:

"The Queensland Government has approved the mining leases for QCoal’s Byerwen coal mine, near Glenden.

"This announcement is a huge shot in the arm for the central Queensland economy with hundreds of jobs expected to be created during construction and once the mine is operational.

"This is a big dose of export growth for Queensland’s premium coking coal, which is why Japan’s JFE Steel is investing in the project. This mine will also be a significant economic contributor to local communities and the wider Queensland economy.

"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.

"At last week’s spot prices of $224 US, at full production, this project alone would generate more than $450 million dollars extra a year in royalties for the Queensland Government that pays for nurses, doctors and teachers as well as important infrastructure."

www.qrc.org.au

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