The $1 billion Olive Downs Coking Coal Project near Moranbah has taken another step towards development with the release of the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Olive Downs is set to be one of the largest metallurgical coal mines in the world when fully developed, producing up to 15 million tonnes of metallurgical coal per annum for almost 80 years.

Owner Pembroke Resources expects the construction of the Olive Downs complex, 40km south-east of Moranbah, to create more than 500 jobs during the first two years.

About 1000 jobs will be required across the project’s almost 80-year life of mine, ramping up from the commencement planned in 2020.

Pembroke Resources chairman and chief executive officer Barry Tudor welcomed release of the EIS, saying the commencement of the public comment process represented an important step towards the development of an operational mine.

State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Minister Cameron Dick, announced the release of the EIS, which is available online and in local libraries for public comment until October 10.

“When the open cut mine is up and running, it could maintain an average of 1000 operational jobs and produce up to 15 million tonnes of coal per year,” he said.

“Importantly, Pembroke Resources will encourage workers to live in local towns like Moranbah, Nebo, Dysart and Middlemount and provide the necessary accommodation for them there, which is exactly what our government’s Strong and Sustainable Resource Communities Act is all about.”

The project proposal includes:

• coal handling and crushing facilities at the mine’s Olive Downs South and Willunga precincts
• a rail link to transport coal to the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal
• a water pipeline and power transmission line.

With JORC Resources totaling 813 million tonnes (Mt) including 514Mt of Reserves, Olive Downs will primarily target export markets, including servicing the demand of Asia’s steel industries.

The project is backed by global energy and resources private equity firm Denham Capital, and continues to attract investor and industry interest.

To make a submission on the project visit: https://haveyoursay.dsd.qld.gov.auor email [email protected]

For more information on the project visit: http://dsdmip.qld.gov.au/olivedowns