Queensland Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham has announced the approval of expansion plans for the Cameby Downs coal mine near Miles.
The expansion project will increase production and extend mine life at the open cut site, and is predicted to create 20 additional jobs.
Cameby Downs has been producing thermal coal for export since mid-2010. Current approval is 2.8 million “run of mine” tonnes per annum, now set to increase to 3.5 million tonnes.
The planned expansion will extend the mine’s life to 75 years based on the increased approval limit.
Production ramp-up is expected to start immediately, with peak production expected to be achieved within 12 months.
“This is a vote of confidence by Yancoal in Queensland’s world-class resources, our infrastructure and our skilled resources workforce,” Mr Lynham said.
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Yancoal is Australia’s largest pure-play coal miner. It operates or manages nine coal mines across New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia, employing about 3000 people plus contractors and other service providers.
In Queensland it operates Yarrabee and manages Cameby Downs. It is also a joint venture partner in the Middlemount coal mine near Emerald.
Separately, new owner Sojitz has announced it will re-start production later this year at Gregory Crinum coal mine near Emerald.
Sojitz bought the mothballed project from BMA in a $100 million deal. The site comprises the Crinum underground mine and Gregory open cut mine.
Sojitz also owns Minerva coal mine in the same area, and expects to employ 200-300 workers by the end of the year across all of its sites.
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