Construction is now in process at Pembroke Resources’ A$1 billion Olive Downs coal project in the Bowen Basin region of central Queensland, the owner confirmed 8 April.

The groundbreaking was marked by a ceremony attended by Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and Queensland Minister for Resources Scott Stewart along with Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry, Isaac Region Deputy Mayor Kelly Vea Vea and Pembroke Resources Chairman and CEO Barry Tudor.

Olive Downs, located southeast of Moranbah, will at completion include a coal handling and preparation plant as well as a rail spur, loadout facility, conveyor system, stockpiles, electrical transmission lines, water pipeline and access roads.

It will employ about 700 during construction and over 1,000 once at full production. Pembroke, which is targeting 15 million tonnes per annum at prime operations, estimated the mine will be worth $10.1 billion to the gross state product.

“The high-quality steel-making coal that will be produced from our mine will contribute to national and state economies as well as much needed infrastructure across the world, delivering economic benefits and jobs from the grassroots to a global scale,” Tudor said.

“Once in production, the project will add to Australia’s exports, shipping high quality steelmaking coal to key markets including Japan, South Korea and India.” Transport, the company added, will be performed via rail to the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal. 

Olive Downs was the first mine to be approved under the state government’s Strong and Sustainable Communities Act, an act of commitment by the operator to partner with local and regional businesses and suppliers.

Additionally, Tudor said the mine will set a new standard in conserving and protecting the environment, with Stage 1 and 2 native flora and fauna conservation areas established in perpetuity, progressive rehabilitation of disturbed areas from the start of production and rigorous, ongoing environmental monitoring to ensure land and waterways are protected. 

“We are also proud of our strong partnership with the Barada Barna people. The ILUA we have signed will deliver a benefits package for the entire life of the mine, including jobs, skills and training opportunities, annual contributions and a strong cultural heritage management plan.”

Olive Downs has a JORC reserve of 527 million tonnes of steel-making coal. It has a mine life estimate of 80 years.

The project is expected to commence production in 2023.

Source: Pembroke Resources