The Queensland Government has approved the construction of the $1.7 billion Grosvenor Coal Mine after the state granted Anglo American the requisite mining lease.

 

State Natural Resources and Mines Minister Andrew Cripps said the Governor in Council approved the development of the mine.

 

“The Grosvenor mine will create up to 1000 new jobs for Queenslanders and represents a significant expansion of Anglo American’s Queensland operations,” Mr Cripps said. 



“This is another boost for Queensland and demonstrates our commitment to get the State back on track. That includes strengthening the resources sector, one of the four pillars of our economy.” 

 

The State Government said the mining lease has been 'thoroughly assessed' by state agencies and meets the environmental requirements of both the State and the Commonwealth.

 

“This announcement demonstrates our commitment to a rigorous and transparent mines approval process,” Mr Cripps said. 

 

"A detailed Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was approved late last year by the Queensland Government, and also by the Commonwealth Government pursuant to the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999."

 

Mr Cripps said the approval was also contingent upon Anglo American making provision to accommodate local workers. 



“The Queensland Government will work closely with the company and the Moranbah community to address key issues such as accommodation availability and infrastructure support,” he said. 


“Residential infrastructure is a critical issue for Moranbah and I am pleased that Anglo American is working with other local coal companies to develop and ensure the availability of accommodation and key community facilities. 

 

Mr Cripps said the mine would create thousands of jobs across its 40 year lifespan.

 

“This mine will deliver direct economic benefits and jobs to the local Moranbah community, as well as royalties which support infrastructure and services that benefit all Queensland communities,” he said. 


“Anglo American expects site construction to begin soon. First development coal production will begin in 2013, and longwall mining in 2016. 



“It is expected to produce up to 7 million tonnes per annum of high quality hard coking coal, yielding some 5 million tonnes per annum of product coal for export.” 

 

The announcement by the State Government comes amid an escalating and increasingly public spat between the State and Federal Governments over the environmental assessment and viability of the Alpha Coal mine.