QRC welcomes new coking coal mine lease

THE Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has welcomed the Palaszczuk Government’s decision to issue a mining lease for a mine north-east of Moranbah which will create 350 ongoing local jobs in Bowen Basin communities. 

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said Fitzroy Australia Resources’ Ironbark No.1 underground coal mine was expected to produce up to 6 million tonnes of coal per year. 

“Around 160 jobs will be needed for construction to build the greenfield mine which will produce coking coal for export in early 2020,” Mr Macfarlane said. 

“It’s more good news for the coal industry and is another example of the Queensland Government’s commitment to responsibly develop the State’s rich mineral deposits to the benefit of all Queenslanders.

“Queensland coking coal is used in steel and other forms of manufacturing and is enjoying increased global demand especially in developing economies such as India. 

“Resources are a major contributor to Queensland’s economy creating a job every 40 minutes, investing $1 million every hour and exporting $1 billion each week.”

The QRC said Queensland resources sector now provides one in every six dollars in the Queensland economy, sustains one in eight Queensland jobs, and supports more than 16,400 businesses across the State all from 0.1 percent of Queensland’s land mass.

www.qrc.org.au

 

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