The mine, 140km west of Mackay, has the potential to deliver up to 10 million tonnes per annum of product coal for export primarily to Asian steel mills over a 50-year project life.
The Queensland coordinator-general approved the release of the EIS for Byerwen, a joint venture between QCoal and JFE Steel, for public comment until July 23, 2013.
Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney said the release of the EIS was another important step in the rigorous assessment of the proposed open cut coal mine project, 45km south of Collinsville.
“If approved, the project could provide a huge boost to one of Queensland’s four economic pillars – resources – and create up to 350 construction jobs and up to 545 jobs when the southern and northern mine pits are operational,” Seeney said.
The project includes four mining zones with eight open cut pits using draglines, excavators, trucks and dozers; two coal handling and preparation plants and associated mine infrastructure areas; two train-loading facilities, including rail loop and spur lines connecting to the existing Abbot Point rail line; and onsite coal haul roads and conveyor belts, a sewage treatment plant, power lines and dams.
Seeney said the key potential impacts and mitigation measures addressed in the EIS included land clearance and offset strategies, the release of mine water and impacts on the Suttor River.
The Byerwen coal mine project was being assessed under the bilateral agreement between the state and federal governments.
