While the surface coal mine recently received state approval to double output to 1Mtpa, its reserves are expected to last only 1-2 more years.
In its application under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, Cockatoo is seeking approval to develop a Baralaba North/Wonbindi North pit to expand production up to 3.5Mtpa for a mine life of 15 years.
The project requires the construction of a coal handling and processing plant while the coal is expected to be exported either through the Gladstone RG Tanna coal terminal or the proposed Wiggins Island coal export terminal.
If approved it is expected to lift the mine’s present workforce from 135 to about 430 people during peak operation.
Cockatoo aims to get all necessary approvals in by April 2015 in line with WICET commissioning.
