Government accelerates development of new coal and gold mining projects
The state government has approved two new mining projects for fast-tracked development drawing the ire of conservationists.
The state government has announced the Corvus Metallurgical Coal Project – an underground coal mine north of Emerald – has been declared a Coordinated Project and the Big Vein South Gold Project – a gold mine west of Townsville – has been declared a Prescribed Project.
Coordinator-General Gerard Coggan announced the decision to fast-track the approvals process for the mines this week, but the Queensland Conservation Council claims the projects are on “shaky ground” as the market moves away from coal.
Deputy Premier and State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie said the two projects were part of the state government’s plan to rebuild Queensland’s economy, support regional communities and ensure the state remains globally competitive.
“The Crisafulli Government is clearing the backlog, fast‑tracking approvals and sending a clear message that Queensland is open for business again,” Bleijie said.
He added that the fast-tracking of these projects would help in rebuilding trust with industry, restoring certainty to the system and putting Queensland on the map as a place that welcomes resources investment.
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Coggan declared the $1.24 billion Corvus Metallurgical Coal Project as ‘Coordinated’, meaning it will now undergo a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process to assess potential benefits and impacts.
The Corvus Resources Pty Ltd project involves the development of a new underground longwall coal mine located 17 km north of Emerald on Gregory Highway.
The mine is predicted to produce up to 10.5 million tonnes of raw coal annually for 25 years, with 90 per cent of the ultra-low ash coal slated for global blast furnace steelmaking markets via the Port of Gladstone.
Corvus Resources claimed the project would create 284 construction jobs and 500 operational roles, with construction of a conveyor and train load-out facility expected to begin in 2027.
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The project proposal involves the construction and operation of a new coal processing plant established at the existing Gregory Crinum Mine, currently operated by Sojitz Gregory Crinum Pty Ltd.
Corvus Resources proposes to place coal reject material within disturbed mining areas at the Gregory Crinum mine, where Sojitz already disposes coal in accordance with the Environmental Authority conditions, removing need for above ground rejects storage.
The $400 million Big Vein South Gold Project was declared ‘Prescribed’ by the Coordinator-General, granting him the authority to streamline approvals and fast-track its development.
Located 120 km north of Richmond, the project is an open-cut gold mine in a ‘greenfield’ location, meaning it is a completely new mine. The company claimed it would create 980 construction jobs and 380 operational roles.
Construction on the Big Vein project is scheduled to begin in 2028, and once operational is predicted to process 1.95 million tonnes of ore annually.
Coggan said it was important to balance environmental, social and economic objectives in these projects.
“The Office of the Coordinator-General will work closely with Corvus Resources to ensure economic benefits are maximised while protecting the environment and engaging with the community,” he said.
Queensland Conservation Council acting director Anthony Gough said the state government was backing new coal projects just as the market moves away from coal.
“Federal Treasury forecasts show fossil fuel export earnings are set to plummet by 50per cent over the next five years, so the long-term case for projects like Corvus is already on shaky ground,” Gough said.
He added that the Corvus coal project will put pressure on Fitzroy Basin water resources and take up more productive farmland.
“The science clearly demonstrates that we cannot extract more coal, gas or oil if we want to save the Great Barrier Reef. Any additional fossil fuels extracted and burnt increases the already dire risk to the Great Barrier Reef and the 70,000 jobs it supports,” Gough said.
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