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Central Queensland information and maps

Central Queensland mining developments and exploration updates

Central Queensland is a world-rank producer and exporter of black coal and a major centre for mineral processing. The region (see Figure 1 below) hosts the coal-bearing Bowen and Galilee basins and also produces gold, silver, limestone, coal seam gas, magnesite and gemstones. There are currently 50 coal mines, 25 mineral mines and 30 medium to large (>50 000 tonnes/year) extractive quarries operating in Central Queensland.

The Bowen Basin has 47 operating coal mines that produce all of Queensland's high-grade coking coal, and much of the export-traded thermal coal. These mines produced 180 million tonnes of saleable coal in 2009-10, representing 87 per cent of the state's total output, and directly employ around 29 550 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions (as at 30 June 2011).

Central Queensland mining and energy projects list and map

Central Queensland Coal, Mineral and Energy Development Projects (February 2012) (PDF, 695 kB) - next release 20 April 2012

Project information is largely based on publications released by the Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE) and publicly listed mining and exploration companies. Note that "Proposed Start-up" dates for projects are generally provided by the proponent (usually in the EIS documents) and may not necessarily reflect Queensland Government time frame estimates.

There are currently four coal mines under construction (Caval Ridge open-cut, Ensham underground, Eagle Downs underground and Daunia open-cut) and a further 36 under consideration. There are eight coal mine expansion/extension projects under construction (Kestrel underground, Lake Vermont open-cut, Dawson South Stage II open-cut, Curragh open-cut, Burton open-cut and Broadmeadow underground) and a further 13 under consideration.

Supplier, contractor and subcontractor opportunities

Find out more about the supply chain opportunities resulting from the LNG industry and other mining projects in Queensland by visiting the ICN Project Gateway and clicking on 'Queensland'.

Employment opportunities

For a detailed view of the range and volume of jobs that will potentially arise through the CSG-LNG sector, visit the Energy Skills Queensland website.

For current employment programs to assist entry in to the skilled workforce market visit the Skilling Queenslanders for Work Initiative website.

Central Queensland exploration and new developments quarterly reports and maps

This report largely represents a selection of company information updates from ASX-listed mineral, coal and petroleum companies active in Central Queensland.