The statement will be available for public review until March 27.

Springsure is to be an underground longwall operation turning out 11 million tonnes per annum of thermal coal.

Managing director Michael Gray welcomed the approval of the EIS.

“The EIS process is a critically important stage in the approvals process for our Springsure Creek mine project,” he said.

“We are committed to engaging with key stakeholders and the broader community in an open and transparent manner to ensure Springsure Creek is a viable and sustainable project that will create value for all stakeholders.”

Separate approvals will be sought for both the transport and infrastructure corridor connecting the proposed Springsure Creek coal mine, the rail loading facility and the 300-bed workforce accommodation village.

A study by economic consultancy AECgroup found Springsure would likely deliver Queensland an economic windfall of almost $1 billion and more than 2000 jobs.

The study reveals construction on the first stage of the project between 2013 and 2015 will directly create 1022 full-time jobs in Queensland and a further 2104 jobs indirectly.

The proposed mine is located 47km southeast of Emerald and is expected to be in production by 2014. When fully operational, the mine will have a workforce of up to 585 people.