The tour included an inspection of Ensham's opencut operations and the site of the proposed Ensham Central Project - which is undergoing final assessment and is the subject of an imminent mining lease application.

 

The proposed underground mining area includes a section of the floodplain of the Nogoa River, which Ensham says will not be disturbed by mining.

 

If approval is gained underground, mining will first take form as a bord pillar-place change mine before heading towards longwall operations.

 

The proposed longwall is expected to produce up to 8 million tonnes per annum with a mine life of 11 years.

 

Queensland Environment and Multiculturalism Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr was in Emerald at the invitation of member for Fitzroy Jim Pearce and said she was interested in learning more about coal mine operations as part of her new portfolio.