A multinational mineral producer received the nod to expand one of its mines in Queensland’s Isaac region.
The State Department of Resources recently granted a mining lease (ML) for Anglo American’s Lake Lindsay Coal Expansion at MacKenzie River, 272km west of Rockhampton.
The project involves extending the existing pit in a northeasterly direction towards the new ML 70336 area.
Existing equipment will be used for open-cut extraction in which strips and blocks are mined in succession. Up to 5.6 million tonnes of hard coking coal is hoped to be produced per annum from as early as 2027. Waste from each strip or block will be dumped on previously mined out areas.
The following infrastructure changes will be required:
- relocate existing power lines
- extend haul roads at the extended pit perimeter
- integrate water management with existing Capcoal mining complex systems.
The existing Lake Lindsay mining industrial area (MIA) and Capcoal mining complex MIA, including the coal handling and preparation plant, overland conveyor, tailings and coal reject voids, and both haul and access roads will continue to be used.
Product coal will be transported via the Goonyella rail line and a nearby export terminal.
Operations will continue 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Blasting will only be performed during the day. The mine will still employ 500 workers and contractors.
The expansion is expected to prolong operations until at least 2044.
“I want to congratulate Anglo American for their continued investment in their operations in the Bowen Basin, because it means hundreds of good jobs and a boost to the local economy for years to come,” State Resources Minister Scott Stewart said in a public statement.
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