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Tarong became the official owner of Meandu and Kunioon on January 31, 2008. The two projects will serve as a long-term fuel source for Tarong's two coal-fired power stations in the area.
Contract mining operator Thiess will be responsible for operating Meandu, which will supply coal for Tarong until a new mine at Kunioon is fully operational, around 2012.
Chief executive Helen Gluer said Thiess was selected for the project because of the company's experience and its strong policy of safety management.
She said construction of the Kunioon project alone will create hundreds of jobs for the community, while all existing employees at Meandu will retain their jobs.
"Up to 750 jobs will be created during the construction phase of the Kunioon mine and coal conveyor across the region and Queensland," Gluer said.
"The new mine will provide more than 500 direct and flow-on jobs throughout the South Burnett and across Queensland.
"I would like to stress that under Tarong's agreement with RTCA, all Tarong Mine employees will be offered positions on no less favourable terms by Thiess."
