SHIFT MINER reports the BUST may be a Boom MINING companies remain committed to more than 96 coal development projects across Queensland according to a survey carried out by the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM). The staggering list of planned developments include 69 new projects in Central Queensland comprising a suite of greenfield projects as well as major extensions to current mines. According to the department, there are currently more than 35,000 full-time jobs in mining, with thousands more likely to be generated in the next five years. The figures were released during a presentation by DNRM geologist Celeste Cronin-Stacey at a packed meeting of the Bowen Basin Mining Club in Emerald recently. “Project information is gained directly from each company to ensure the data is as accurate and as up to date as possible,” she told the crowd. “Each of the companies involved were called directly to comprise this list. This list is the best educated prediction we can make dependent on the information available.” While the department was quick to point out start dates were vulnerable to changing market conditions, the list nonetheless underscores a feeling that the medium-term outlook for Queensland coal remains extremely good. So far this year, BMA’s Daunia mine has been completed at a cost of $1.6 billion, and six brownfield (extensions to current mines) projects have begun worth nearly $4 billion. The extensions are occurring at the Broadmeadow, Millenium, Lake Vermont, Kestrel, Yarrabee and Rolleston mines. According to the department there are still three more new mine developments to kick off this year, worth around $180 million and likely to generate around 300 jobs. The $150 million Goonyella expansion will also start before Christmas. The outlook: * In 2014, the department says further greenfield projects will commence worth $5 billion, generating more than 1500 jobs, and another four brownfield projects will start worth nearly $1.3 billion. * In 2015, a further 11 greenfield projects are expected to begin, creating 3495 full time jobs and worth around $8.5 billion. Two brownfield expansions are scheduled to start worth more than $300 million. * In 2016 and 2017, seven more greenfield projects worth more than $5 billion are scheduled to start creating more than 2000 jobs. Five brownfield projects will also start.
Posted on: Wed, 02 Oct 2013 02:36:51 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015