Project opportunities

Coal projects

Coal project Estimated project value
$million		 Stage Location
Qld region
Alpha Coal Project (Tad's Corner Coal Mine): GVK group, an Indian infrastructure developer, is to acquire 79% of Alpha Coal, 100% of Kevin's Corner and associated port and rail infrastructure developments. (Source: GVK, 16 September 2011) 3,400 Supplementary EIS being assessed Central West
The project is to comprise four open cut pits. Sized raw coal will be transferred from the ROM facilities via conveyors to the multi-module CHPP. The ancillary infrastructure are expected to include:      
  • Main workshop; warehouse; administration buildings; training and emergency services building; tyre bay; light vehicle workshop; and dragline bucket repair shop;
  • Train load-out facility and rail loop;
  • Raw water dams and environment dams;
  • Construction and operational accommodation village;
  • Mine access road;
  • General waste landfill;
  • Borrow pits;
  • Fuel and oil storage facilities;
  • An explosives magazine;
  • Creek diversions, drainage channels and levee bunds;
  • Water and wastewater systems;
  • Water treatment plant and sewerage treatment plant;
  • Electrical systems;
  • Communications systems;
  • Conveyors; and
  • Stockpile areas.
      
Mining equipment likely to consist of: 14 overburden drills; 9 draglines; 9 rope shovels; 15 excavators; 130 rear dump-trucks; 42 bottom-dump truck/coal haulers; 46 bulldozers; 14 rubber-tyred dozers; 11 graders; 8 water trucks.      
Hancock has appointed WorleyParsons and Ausenco JV to a manage the final execution phases of engineering, procurement and construction development.      
Construction scheduled for 48 months from 2011 for operation in 2013. Sources: www.hancockcoal.com.au and the Coordinator-General.      
Companies can register on ICN Gateway.      
Arcturus Coal Mine Project: Feasibility complete. Subject to approvals first coal could be mined during FY2014. Arcturus will link into the existing Blackwater rail system via the Bauhinia branch line, and the new proposed WICET infrastructure at Gladstone. No coal preparation plant has been included in the mine design plan It is anticipated that the project would involve significant associated civil works, including: 300 EIS in preparation Fitzroy
  • a new rail load out facility
  • coal handling and processing plant
  • water supply infrastructure
  • power supply infrastructure
  • run of mine and product coal stockpile
  • waste disposal facility
  • support infrastructure such as administration building, fuel/chemical storages and access roads.
      
Sources: EIS and www.bandannaenergy.com.au.      
Baralaba open cut expansion (North and South): Cockatoo Coal has completed an extensive drilling program within the Baralaba mine tenements and, utilising this drilling information, is currently developing a mine plan designed to extend the mine's operations to the north of the existing pit area. Further exploration open hole and core drilling are planned for the Baralaba North project area. Pre-feasibility and feasibility expected to be completed by 2012, with funding expected by 2013, detailed design and construction to mid-2014. Source: www.cockatoocoal.com.au. 280 Pre-feasibility Fitzroy
Belvedere underground: New project, pre-FS underway, expected construction start-up 2014. Involves three underground longwall mines operating simultaneously. Mine surface facilities likely to include Offices; Bath-house and lamp cabin; Workshops and stores; Electrical substation; Fuel facilities; and Potable water treatment plant; conveyor, Crushing and screening facilities; Washplant; Product coal stockpiles and train loadout facility. Sources: www.aquilaresources.com.au and Coordinator-General. 2,000 Draft EIS TOR being prepared Fitzroy
Broadmeadow Underground expansion: Broadmeadow is a brownfield project to develop an adjacent open pit into a punch longwall operation.  Project scope includes: 950 Construction Mackay
  • New surface infrastructure
  • Highwall and low wall profiling
  • A Mine Industrial Area
  • Flood protection levee to allow existing mining operations to continue.
      
Companies can register on ICN Gateway.      
Bundi Coal Project: Development and operation of a new underground mine and associated infrastructure including a coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP), and rail spur to connect to the Surat Basin and Moura Rail lines. The project proposes to commence construction in 2013 with its operational phase beginning in 2015 and continuing for 20 years. Sources: EIS and www.metrocoal.com.au. Not available EIS in preparation Darling Downs
Byerwen open cut: Integrated new open cut and underground mines, includes new water pipeline from the Burdekin Water scheme, mine infrastructure, inc. CHPP, accommodation, administration, maintenance buildings, rail loop, roads and bridges, load-out and connection to the existing Newlands Rail Line, augmented power supply. Sources: Coordinator General and www.qcoal.com.au. 1,500 EIS in preparation Mackay
Cameby Downs Coal Expansion Project: New expansion is open cut mining, via truck and excavator methods. Transportation of ROM coal from Rywung to the Cameby Downs ROM pad by either conveyor, dedicated trains or road trains on a dedicated haul road. Processing of coal at the Cameby Downs CHPP. The use of draglines and conveyor systems for removal of overburden will be also investigated. The Cameby Downs mine is an open-cut operation and is on target to commence mining in 2010. Stage 2 development is expected to commence in 2013. The proponent will now prepare the EIS, and has until 21 January 2012 to submit for approval. Sources: www.syntechresources.com.au and EIS. 100 EIS in preparation Darling Downs
Carmichael Coal Mine and Rail Project: Comprises two major components: a greenfield open cut and underground mine with associated infrastructure, staff accommodation for a FIFO workforce and aerodrome; and railway line with associated infrastructure. Expected operation to commence in 2014. Mining is expected to be by large electric shovels and/or mine excavators and trucks. One option for power is for construction of a gas turbine 2x80MW or 3x50MW power station. Investment Mine: $4.1 billion; Railway line: $6.8 billion. Due to the remote location of the mine and the excessive road distance for regular commuting, Adani's preference would be to establish a local township. However, the proponent would also construct an onsite airstrip to provide site access for some of its Fly-In-Fly-Out work force. Sources: Coordinator-General and www.adanigroup.com. 10,900 EIS in preparation Central West
Caval Ridge Mine (greenfield project): Open cut dragline and truck shovel operation. Key components include: 4,000 Engineering Mackay
  • A run of mine (ROM) facility
  • Crushed ore stockpile with stacking and reclaiming facilities
  • A new coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP)
  • A product coal stockpile
  • A train loading facility
  • A mine industrial area
  • Mining equipment
      
Companies can register on the ICN Gateway.      
Codrilla open cut: Proposed as an open cut coal mining and processing operation. ROM coal will be processed on site utilising conventional Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP) technologies. Process waste will be disposed of at an on site facility designed and constructed in accordance with standard industry practice. Product coal will be transported approximately 31km to the existing Moorvale Mine train load-out facility using road trains (nominally up to 200 tonne multiple trailer configuration) via a purpose built private haul road. Following loading of the product coal to trains at Moorvale Mine, coal will be transported to Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal (DBCT) for export to overseas customers. Feasibility complete. Sedgman and Thiess will share a $A85 million contract Sources: www.macarthurcoal.com.au and EIS. 250 EIS complete Mackay
Collinsville open cut expansion:      
Cows coal project: The Cows Coal Project is being developed by Bowen River Coal Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of QCoal Pty Ltd. Construction at the Project site was expected to commence in late 2010. The Cows Coal Project is located approximately 7km south of Collinsville in Queensland's north Bowen Basin. Source: www.qcoal.com.au. Not Available Approvals Mackay
Daunia Coal Project (greenfield project): Construction and operation of a new open-cut mine. Key project components include: 1,600 Tender/Construction Mackay
  • A coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP). Sedgman has been awarded a A$123 million CHPP design and construct. (Source: Mining.com, 1 September 2011).
  • A product conveyor from the CHPP to the train load out
  • Overhead 66 (kV) transmission line from the Millennium switchyard to a proposed Daunia switchyard
  • The completion of the mine industrial area including heavy vehicle workshop, wash-down facilities, fuelling facilities, etc.
  • A mine lease area including environmental dam, haul road, power and water reticulation, and support facilities
  • Mining equipment
      
Companies can register on the ICN Gateway.      
Dingo West open cut project: Bandanna Energy. Feasibility study completed. Mining lease application submitted. (Source: Bandana Energy, September 2011). Source: www.bandannaenergy.com.au. 200 Pre-feasibility Fitzroy
Drake coal project: The Drake Coal Project is being developed by Drake Coal Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of QCoal Pty Ltd.  Construction at the  Project site is expected to commence in early 2012.  The Drake Coal Project is located approximately 12km south of Collinsville in Queensland's  north Bowen Basin. The following mine infrastructure is proposed at the site: Site water management controls including sediment control dams; Coal handling civil works, including Run of Mine (ROM) pad; Construction and commissioning of Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP); Construction of the Drake Mine rail loop and load-out and connection to the existing Newlands Rail Line; Construction of Mine Infrastructure Area (MIA) including administration, ablution buildings and vehicle maintenance; Site access and intersection works on the Bowen Developmental Road; and Construction of main water storage and distribution system. Sources: www.qcoal.com.au and EIS. 350 EIS in preparation Mackay
Dysart East open cut and underground project: Source: CQ Coal Development Projects 450 Under study Mackay
Eagle Downs Coal Project: New longwall project, overland conveyor to CHPP, maintenance and administration buildings. A pre-feasibility study was recently completed Four mining scenarios were assessed as part of the Pre-Feasibility Study, based on the assumption of either a single longwall unit or two longwall units operating simultaneously in the same coal seam or within different seams. Mining lease grqanted. Construction required JV approval – currently subject to court action. Source: www.aquilaresources.com.au - ASX announcements August-September 2011. 1,254 EIS Complete Mackay
Eaglefield open cut expansion: to increase the existing Run of Mine extraction rate from 5 Million tonnes per annum to 18 Mtpa. Coal mining will most likely be performed using truck and shovel/dragline with an in pit conveyor to dump spoil to an outer pit spreader dump. A second wash plant will be constructed to cater for the increase in production with its location determined by the rail link extension to Newlands Mine - Abbot Point line, new water storage and treatment dams may be required, additional powerlines/transmission lines will be constructed, a second loadout facility planned to utilise the rail link. Expected start up 2012. Sources: www.peabodyenergy.com.au and EIS. 1,400 EIS complete Mackay
Elimatta: Northern Energy development of an open-cut, export coal mine. The following mine infrastructure is envisaged for the Project: 500 EIS in preparation Darling Downs
  • Access and haul roads;
  • Offices, workshops and ablutions facilities;
  • Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP);
  • ROM pads and lay-down areas;
  • Surface water management dams;
  • Raw water storage dam;
  • Water pipelines;
  • Fuel, oil and chemical storages;
  • Transmission lines and power supply infrastructure;
  • Train loading facility; and
  • Explosives magazines.
     
First shipments scheduled for mid-2013. Sources: www.northernenergy.com.au and EIS Northern Energy is preparing the EIS, and has until 23 April 2012 to submit it to DERM for assessment.      
Ellensfield underground: new longwall project, wash plant, rail loop and loading facility. A coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP) and associated truck load-out million facility would be built on site with the capacity to process up to 5.5 tonnes a year of thermal and coking coal product and reject waste. Prior to the proposed CHPP being fully operational in 2012, all raw coal would be crushed, sized and washed using the existing Carborough Downs Coal Mine CHPP, and coal product transported via rail to the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal (DBCT) for export. Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM), has been awarded a study for both the above ground and underground infrastructure for Vale's Ellensfield coal project. Sources: www.vale.com and EIS. 800 EIS submissions response Mackay
Ensham Central Coal Project: Plan to staged expansion of the Ensham open-cut mine revised. New focus on construction of an underground mine (board and pillar mine as stage one) to access the coal beneath the central floodplain north of the Nogoa River, new wash plant and upgrading of open cut facilities. Board and pillar mining is anticipated to be at full production by July 2012. Source: DERM. 166 Construction Fitzroy
Felton Coal Mine (to support DME plant): On 23 March 2010, Ambre Energy announced its intention to construct Australia's first coal-to-liquids facility at Felton. Ambre Energy has access to commercially-proven ExxonMobil technology which will enable us to produce 940 million litres of high quality unleaded petrol and 150 million litres of LPG from Felton coal each year for the next 35 to 40 years. The project will involve constructing: a fuel production facility delivering 940 million litres per year (ML/yr) of high quality unleaded petrol and 150 ML/yr of LPG; and an adjoining open-cut coal mine to supply four million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of feed coal to the facility. The Project will be comprised of a number of components: Di-Methyl Ether (DME) pilot plant and small open cut mine; Open Cut Mine; and Stage 2 Mine Expansion. Project construction could start late in 2011. The proponent applied for, and has been granted, approval to prepare a voluntary environmental impact statement (EIS) for the project. There is no longer any need for a demonstration or pilot stage. The new project will be constructed at full scale, which is required for an appropriate commercial return and to respond to potential fuel shortages. The state government will require a separate approval process for this new project to reflect the nature of the project's potential impacts. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process for the Felton DME project will be withdrawn as the new process begins. Sources: www.ambreenergy.com and EIS. 3,500 EIS in preparation Darling Downs
Foxleigh Plains open cut: The Foxleigh Plains Project is an expansion of the current Foxleigh Mine using shovels and trucks. Facilities and infrastructure will be established include Remote workshop and vehicle servicing facilities; Bathhouse and employee facilities; Intermediate ROM coal stockpiles; Heavy and light vehicle roads; and Water and flood management infrastructure. See EIS Not Available EIS in preparation Fitzroy-Mackay
Galilee Coal (Northern Export Facility) (or China First) project: The proponent, Waratah Coal, intends to establish a new coal mine, railway and coal stockyards and supporting infrastructure to export high volatile, low sulphur, steaming coal to international markets. The coal will be sourced from Waratah Coal's mining tenements near Alpha in the Galilee Basin, Central Queensland and taken by rail to the Abbot Point State Development Area (APSDA) where stockyards will be established that tie in with either the common user infrastructure and Multi Purpose Cargo Wharf currently being planned by Government or a jetty berth design similar to what is currently in use at Abbot Point. The project also includes the possible establishment of a water supply pipeline between the coal mine and the Burdekin Dam and water retention infrastructure within the Belyando River catchment. 4,000 EIS public consultation 26 September 2011 to 7 November 2011 Central West
EPCM is Metallurgical Corporation of China Ltd (MCC) with Subcontractors - Sino Coal International Engineering Group, China Railway Group Ltd and China Communications Construction Company Ltd.    
Waratah expects the relevant mining leases to be granted in the first quarter of 2012 and expect physical construction of the China First Coal Project to commence in the first quarter of 2012, with commissioning and commercial production expected in the fourth quarter of 2014. Sources: the Coordinator-General and www.waratahcoal.com    
Goonyella Riverside Mine Expansion: BMA - both expansion of open-cut mining operations and also a new underground mine(s) to extract coking coal from seams in the Moranbah Coal Measures. The project would increase the annual coal production above 16 Mt/a, and possibly to 20 Mt/a or 24 Mt/a. The proposal also includes establishment of a new underground mine in the Goonyella Lower Seam and expansion of coal processing facilities or the construction of a third coal processing plant. BMA is currently reviewing the project scope and delivery timeframes. See Coordinator General. 1,000 EIS in preparation Mackay
Grosvenor Coal Project: Construction development of a Greenfield underground coal mine. The proposed mine will produce up to 6 Mtpa of coking coal for the export market. The mine will utilise the longwall mining method and will have a mine life in excess of 25 years. Surface mine infrastructure will include administration buildings; workshop and vehicle servicing facilities; warehouse; bath house and employee facilities; Run-of-Mine (ROM) coal stockpiles and overland conveyors; and portal entrance to the underground mine access drift. The Moranbah North Mine coal handling and reject disposal facilities will be upgraded as necessary to cater for Grosvenor coal. Expected start-up 2013. The EIS for the Grosvenor Coal Mine Project is currently available for review. Sources: www.anglocoal.com.au and EIS. 1,100 EIS for public comment Mackay
Jax open cut: The Jax Coal Project is being developed by Jax Coal Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of QCoal Pty Ltd. Construction at the Project site is expected to commence in 2011. The Jax Coal Project is located approximately 12km south of Collinsville in Queensland's north Bowen Basin. Source: www.qcoal.com.au. Not Available Approvals Mackay
Kestrel Expansion: (Rio Tinto - new automated run of mine stockpile system and a seven kilometre overland conveyor to the existing coal handling and preparation plant), expected start-up 2012. Ausenco awarded a $53m contract to manage underground, surface infrastructure construction and coal preparation plant upgrade work for the Kestrel. Source: www.riotintocoalaustralia.com.au. 1,300 Construction Fitzroy-Mackay
Kevin's Corner Coal Project: GVK group, an Indian infrastructure developer, is to acquire 79% of Alpha Coal, 100% of Kevin's Corner and associated port and rail infrastructure developments. (Source: GVK, 16 September 2011) The Kevin's Corner Project is a recognised thermal coal deposit within the Galilee Basin comprising of both open-cut and underground operations. The coal will be treated by a coal preparation plant (CPP) and conveyed to a rail loadout facility. The project will involve the development of a rail spur connecting the mine to the proposed HPPL Alpha Coal Project railway. The rail facilities provided by the Alpha Coal Project will transport coal to two possible port locations. The expected capital expenditure for the project is $9.0 billion, which consists of capital for the construction of the mine and the relevant portion of rail and port capital. Current planning is for commencement of construction in 2011 and first production in late 2013. The Australian has reported that "Mining magnate Gina Rinehart has reportedly fielded an Indian-backed bid of almost $2 billion for a controlling stake in her Kevin's Corner coal project in Queensland, as she seeks funds to develop the nearby giant Alpha coal project." Source: www.hancockcoal.com.au and Coordinator-General. 6,600 EIS in preparation Central West
Companies can register on ICN Gateway.    
Lake Vermont open cut expansion: Sedgeman has won a $A145 million contract to expand the coal handling and processing plant at the Lake Vermont open cut mine in central Queensland (Mining News). Expected start up 2013. Theiss awarded $147m CHPP contract. Source: Marubeni Corporation. 200 Construction Fitzroy
Maryborough (Colton) Coal Mine: Northern Energy new open cut mine, 200tph wash plant, environmental plan being prepared. With rail capacity available to transport product coal to port at Gladstone. ema Mining Solutions Pty Ltd (ema), is Preferred Contractor for the design and construction of the Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP) with planned production early 2014. Revised EMP submitted to DERM 27 September 2011. Source: www.northernenergy.com.au and www.newhopecoal.com.au. 84 Engineering Wide Bay-Burnett
Mackenzie North open cut: Infrastructure includes a coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP), workshops, warehouses, rail infrastructure and offices. Planned Q2 2014 construction start. Sources: www.environment.gov.au, CQ Development Projects and www.stanmorecoal.com.au. 50-100 EIS Fitzroy
Middlemount Coal Project Stage 2: The main components of the Stage 2 construction program are expected to include: 500 EIS for public comment Mackay
  • installation of the package potable water treatment plant (WTP)
  • installation of the package sewage treatment plant (STP)
  • construction of the go line area
  • construction of Stage 2 flood protection levees
  • creek diversions of Roper Creek and Thirteen Mile Gully
  • construction of additional fuel storage
  • upgrading the existing Stage 1 CHPP
  • depending upon mining methodology option selected, construction of a dragline construction pad, and subsequent construction of the dragline
  • extension of the MIA workshop with four additional covered workshop bays, two additional outdoor bays, and associated construction aprons to support the increased production level
  • construction of the partial diversion of the Saraji water supply pipeline
  • decommissioning of the existing portion of the Saraji water supply pipeline that traverses through the Project area.
     
Sources: www.macarthurcoal.com.au and EIS.      
Millennium Expansion Project: Coal mining will most likely be performed using open-cut truck and shovel terrace mining methods. existing mine infrastructure area, workshops, administration facilities etc will be assessed and may be relocated to more effectively service the expanded mine footprint, new water storage and treatment dams may be required, new roads to the expansion areas will be required as will a crossing over the New Chum Creek and new waste dump areas will be developed. Expected start up 2011. Sources: www.peabodyenergy.com.au and EIS. 276 EIS complete Mackay
Minyango underground: New longwall underground mine. Infrastructure expected to include: CHPP; CDA; ROM and stockpiles; surface conveyors; underground access drift portals; rail loop and train loader; sediment, raw and mine water dams; administration building and bath house; workshop, warehouse and vehicle servicing facilities. Sources: www.caledonresources.com and EIS. 750 Draft EIS TOR Fitzroy
Monto coal mine: new open cut project planned start up 2012. Macarthur Coal has updated pre-feasibility study. The Monto project has submitted an expression of interest for contract port capacity at the proposed Wiggins Island Terminal at the Port of Gladstone. Exploration program commenced. Source: www.macarthurcoal.com.au. 50 Feasibility evaluation Wide Bay-Burnett
Moorvale West expansion: being fast-tracked for conceptual mine planning - development of an underground mine to produce coking, PCI or thermal coal, expected start-up 2014. A concept level board and pillar mining study is being explored for economic viability as an alternative to the existing assumed longwall methodology. Source: www.macarthurcoal.com.au. 200 Pre-feasibility Mackay
Moranbah South underground project: Moranbah South is a joint venture between Anglo Coal Australia (ACA) (50%) and Exxaro (50%). The resource consists of high quality coking coal. Exploration and conceptual studies are in progress. Source: www.anglocoal.com.au. 1,300 Pre-feasibility Mackay
New Acland Coal Mine Stage 3 expansion: The the project also includes new coal handling and processing infrastructure, a new haul road to transport coal product to the Jondaryan Rail Loading Facility, addition of a new administration and heavy vehicle maintenance area, a mine surface water management system, construction of a new Raw Water Dam and the closure of the Acland township - construction period commencing in 2010 to 2013. A supplementary EIS is required. Sources: www.newhopecoal.com.au and Coordinator-General. 500 EIS agency and submitter consultation expected Q4 2011 Darling Downs
New Lenton Coal Project: Pre-feasibility studies are continuing to assess both open cut and underground coal potential. Current strategy envisages open cut operations by 2014 followed by possible underground coking coal. Source: www.newhopecoal.com.au and CQ Coal Development Projects. 400 Pre-feasibility Mackay
Norwood Coal Mine Project: New long wall underground mine. Includes construction of haul roads or conveyors to Bundi project; CHPP, ROM and stockpiles; water and power supply infrastructure; waste dumps; administration buildings, laydown areas, chemical and fuel storage, access roads. Expected construction 2015 with first coal 2017. Not available EIS Darling Downs
Saraji East project: New project. Acquired by BMA in 2008 from New Hope. BMA will provide further updates on any planned development of the project. Following completion of regulatory approvals, BMA will embark on a two to three year exploration program to confirm the estimated coal resources and support further studies to assess the development potential. Source: www.bhpbilliton.com and CQ Coal Development Projects. 1,000 On hold Mackay-Fitzroy
Oaky Creek Longwall Stage 4 expansion: Production capacity for the OCC mining operation is to be expanded over the next five years to develop additional sections of the lease area. The expansion will include installation of a new longwall mining system and associated development suite, electrical system upgrade and expansion of the existing coal preparation plant. Procurement is being co-ordinated through the national Industry Capability Network. Intending goods and services providers are invited to register expressions of interest as potential suppliers at the ICN Gateway link to this project. Source: www.xstratacoal.com. Companies can register on the ICN Gateway. 90 EOI Mackay
Olive Downs North Coal Project: Brownfield expansion. Mining will commence post 2014 and is dependent on economics and market demand. A mine plan has been finalised to extend the life of the Moorvale mine. Source: www.macarthurcoal.com.au and CQ Development Projects. 20 On hold Mackay
Orion Downs Coal Project: Orion Downs has two sub-projects being undertaken: the Inderi Project and the Meteor Downs South Project. Preliminary mining scoping studies have been undertaken at Orion Downs in relation to an open cut mine at Meteor Downs South and an underground mine at Inderi (board and pillar). Source: www.endocoal.com.au and CQ Development Projects. 100 Bankable feasibility Fitzroy
Red Hill underground project (now called Talwood coking coal project): the evaluation of potential underground mining options was commenced and a Concept Study is in progress. This study is considering a number of development configurations including bord and pillar and short longwall options to evaluate the potential for an operation producing up to 2Mtpa of metallurgical and thermal coal for export via the Abbot Point Coal Terminal where port allocation has been secured. Expected start uo 2014. Source: www.aquilaresources.com.au. Not Available Under Study Mackay
Rolleston open cut expansion: expected start up 2014 linked to Wiggins Island Export Coal Terminal project. The proposed project would require: 450 Pre-feasibility Fitzroy
  • upgrade to the offices and workshops
  • upgrade to the power supply, water supply and sewerage treatment systems
  • upgrade to ROM crushing plant
  • new rail access
  • new light vehicle and haul roads
  • new stockpiles
  • potential relocation of Springwood Road
  • potential dams and levees
  • creek diversion between Sandy Creek and Meteor Creek.
      
Sources: www.xstratacoal.com and EIS.      
Sarum open cut and underground project: An Xstrata-led joint venture has applied for federal environmental assessment of its plans to develop the longwall and open cut Sarum coal project (January 2010) and is currently analysing and evaluating a combination of underground and open cut mine operations producing up to 10 million tonnes run of mine per annum. The open cut operation was slated to start production in 2013, while a feasibility study was scheduled for the first half of 2012. Sources: CQ Development Projects, International Longwall News and www.xstratacoal.com. 700 Pre-feasibility Mackay
South Galilee Coal Project: Bandana Energy open-cut and underground mining with on-site CHPP, mine office, bath house, workshops and re-fuelling facilities, power lines, communication facilities and associated amenities. Both exterior site access roads and interior haul roads will need to be developed for the mine and construction and operations accommodation. See www.southgalilee.com.au and the EIS. 1,500 EIS in preparation Central West
South Walker Creek Coal Processing Plant Upgrade Project: construction of new facilities adjacent to an existing coal processing plant and new processing plant and upgrade to the associated utilities. Companies can register on the ICN Gateway. Not available EOI Mackay
Springsure Creek Coal Project: Development of an underground coal mine producing up to nine million tonnes a year of thermal coal. Feasibility study complete. Subject to approvals first development coal could be mined during FY2014 with longwall coal in FY2015 800 EIS in preparation Fitzroy
It is anticipated that the project would involve significant associated civil works including:      
  • new rail load out facility
  • coal handling and processing plant
  • water supply dams and pipelines
  • power supply infrastructure from the national grid east of the mine site
  • run of mine and product coal stockpile
  • waste disposal facility
  • support infrastructure such as administration building, fuel and chemical storages and access roads.
      
Sources EIS and www.bandannaenergy.com.au.      
Styx open cut project: Waratah Coal plan first production Q4 2012. Exploration and feasibility phase were planned for Q1 2011. Project includes construction of Small scale surface mine, Rail siding to North Coast QR network to Utilise existing ports of Dalrymple Bay and Abbot Point. Not available Planning Mackay
Talwood Coking Coal Project (formerly Red Hill project): Following further exploration, the assessment of Reserves will be undertaken with a view to develop an underground longwall mining operation. Source www.aquilaresources.com.au and CQ Development Projects. Not Available Pre-feasibility Mackay
Tarong Coal:   Various stages of implementation  
  • Meandu Mine Coal Handling Processing Plant 15 Upgrade
 20.051 Wide Bay-Burnett
  • Meandu Mine Resource Evaluation
 5.173   Wide Bay-Burnett
  • Meandu Mine Mine Fleet Equipment Replacement
 14.09   Wide Bay-Burnett
  • Meandu Mine Other Capital Projects
 4.471   Wide Bay-Burnett
  • Meandu Mine Dragline Overhaul
 49.538   Wide Bay-Burnett
Teresa underground project: LINC Energy has lodged its submission with Australian government agencies. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2013 subject to gaining all necessary approvals. The Project covers the construction and operation of a coal mine with associated coal processing facilities (CHPP, train loader, etc). Two rail loop options (A and B) are being considered to offload coal to an existing rail network. A preferred rail loop option will be considered within the supporting EIS for the mine. Option A utilises the current Emerald to Capella track. Option B features the construction of new rail heading east from the Teresa mine site, linking to the existing rail infrastructure. A new 30 km track from a rail loop within the Teresa mine site. Source: www.environment.gov.au. Not available EIS  
The Range project: Stanmore Coal proposes a new open cut coal mining operation. Mine operations will consist of conventional open-cut mining techniques which include topsoil stripping, drill and blast, truck / shovel operations, dozer push waste removal, coal extraction and progressive rehabilitation. The mine will be serviced by administration and workshop facilities and will include a coal processing plant, wash plant, transport corridor, rail loop and train loading facility. Early works planned to commence Q2 2013. Conceptual mining study due Q4 2011. Production targeted 2015. Sources: EIS and www.stanmorecoal.com.au. 500 Draft EIS TOR Darling Downs
Togara North underground: New project open cut/underground, FS completed. Source: www.xstratacoal.com and CQ Development Projects 800 Under Study Fitzroy
Vermont East/Wilunga: A pre-feasibility study for a 4.0mtpa ROM open-cut mine at Willunga is due for completion in the first half of 2011. This will allow Vermont East/Willunga to be considered as a potential development alternative to the Codrilla project or for future development post 2014. If a decision to proceed with the project were made, operations could commence in 2014, subject to EIS and other regulatory approvals. Alternatively, the project could be developed post 2014 with additional port capacity at Wiggins Island. Source: www.macarthurcoal.com.au Not Available Pre-feasibility Mackay
Wandoan Coal Project: Proposed infrastructure consists of: 10 open-cut mining areas with 16 pits; Coal handling, preparation and crushing facilities; Mine support infrastructure including office buildings, workshops, wash down facilities, fuel and oil storage facilities; Workforce accommodation village; Rail spur and train loading facilities. Possible supporting infrastructure upgrades inc.: Upgrading Wandoan's town drinking water treatment facilities; new multi-user municipal waste facility; Upgrading Wandoan's sewerage treatment and wastewater disposal facilities; new multi-user weed wash-down facility; either upgrading the Taroom Aerodrome, to be owned and operated by Banana Shire Council, or contributing to a new airstrip in the Wandoan district; pipelines to source raw water either from Glebe Weir (to be raised) of coal seam methane water); Relocating local and State roads, intersections and bridges; upgrading electricity supply lines to Wandoan township. Xstrata Coal's Wandoan Coal Project received conditional environmental approval from the Federal Government in March 2011. Mining lease expected 2011. Feasibility study into Phase I development expected to complete in H1 2012. Indicative start up in 2015. Xstrata Coal maintains a mailing list for local suppliers to register their interest in quoting to supply goods and services to Xstrata Coal Queensland and its major contractors for the Wandoan Coal Project. Source: www.wandoancoal.com.au. 1,800 Pre-construction Darling Downs
Washpool open cut project: The Project Feasibility Study completed. Definitive feasibility study under way. Subject to statutory approvals and completion of further technical studies, construction of the mine could commence in 2012 with first coal mined early in calendar 2013. The proposed Washpool mining operation will use a combination of 1 to 2 dragline(s) and open cut truck and shovel strip mining methods, with the emphasis on in pit waste dumping, with new CHPP infrastructure (most likely consisting of a run of mine (ROM) pad, ROM coal delivery system, coal washery module, coal waste delivery system (tailings and coarse rejects), clean coal delivery system, product stockpile, offices, fuel farm and workshops and train loading facility. Sources: www.aquilaresources.com.au and EIS. 320 EIS for public comment Fitzroy
Wilkie Creek expansion project: An Environmental Impact Statement was to be publicly released during 2010 and serve as the initial phase of this expansion project. Expected start up 2013. Source: www.peabodyenergy.com.au. 162 Under Study Darling Downs
Winchester South open cut project: Rio Tinto. Potential start-up 2013. RTCA has secured port capacity at Abbot Point to meet expansions at Clermont Mine, for the potential developments of Valeria and Winchester South. Source: www.riotintocoalaustralia.com.au. Not Available Under Study Mackay
Wonbindi Coal Project: New project, pre-Feasibility underway. Plan to reinstate the disused rail line from Baralaba to Moura and to build a wash plant capable of producing 3.0 million tonnes per annum for the export market. Sources: www.republiccoal.com and www.cockatoocoal.com.au. 300 Pre-feasibility Fitzroy
Wongai coal project: small greenfield underground mine with supporting infrastructure and barge facility. Source: www.environment.gov.au. Not available Feasibility Far North
Woori Coal Mine: Cockatoo Coal project. New subject to study, development of an open-cut export thermal coal mine at the Woori project exporting via the proposed Surat Basin Railway and Wiggins Island Export Coal Terminal at Gladstone. Mine infrastructure will consist of: Site access to main road, Light vehicle access roads Heavy vehicle haulroads, Communications infrastructure i.e. towers, cabling, Offices and administration facilities, Ablutions and crib room facilities, Water Management System (WMS), Wastewater treatment facilities, Fuel and oil storage facilities, High voltage transmission lines/poles and reticulation, Maintenance workshop, offices and associated amenities, CHPP, Coal stockpiling and blending facility, Fines recovery system, Train loading installation, Rail unloading facility. Finalisation of the pre-feasibility report, including conceptual engineering, stage planning and mine layout is expected to be finalised in the coming months. Sources: www.cockatoocoal.com.au and EIS. Not Available EIS in preparation Darling Downs
Yamala underground project: The Yamala project is considered a medium-term project that offers the opportunity for development of a long-life underground mine producing high-quality thermal / PCI coal for export. While a rail line to Gladstone passes through the project (part of QR National's Blackwater system), the system is currently capacity constrained and additional rail and port capacity is required. This is planned as part of the upgrade of the Blackwater system and the Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal development. Source: www.northernenergy.com.au and Annual Report 2010. 350 Pre-feasibility Fitzroy
Yarrabee open cut expansion: Expansion of the production and export capacity to 3.2Mtpa is being considered and will be possible when the proposed Wiggins Island Coal Terminal facilities at Gladstone are completed. Source: www.yancoalaustralia.com.au and CQ Development Projects. 150 Planning Fitzroy

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