Jobs in Queensland’s coal and exploration sectors grew by more than 3000 in the six months to last November, according to data presented in State Parliament today.
“Coal mining jobs are up 9 per cent to 22,000 and job growth is forecast to improve further with new operations like QCoal and JFE Steel’s Byerwen joint venture and resuming operations like Stanmore’s Isaac Plains,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
“Investment in exploration has been climbing, with coal and metals exploration expenditure up by $33 million to $105 million over the six months to last November, driving an increase of 1500 jobs to 13,770.”
The Premier said bright spots were showing in the metals sector as well.
“Base metals prices have improved significantly after a tough 2015, with zinc prices rising 35 per cent and lead by 32 per cent, over the six months to December,” she said.
“Employment fell slightly in the last six months of 2016, but should stabilise as CuDeco’s Rocklands copper project ramps up.
“As well, Altona’s Cloncurry copper is moving closer to development, MMG’s Dugald River zinc project is on track and Rio Tinto’s $1.9 billion bauxite project, Amrun, is progressing and is scheduled to start production later this year.”
Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said Queensland had potential to emerge as the global leader in bauxite trade, with the rare earths of the Diamantina the next frontier.
Workforce estimates for northern mining developments under way or about to enter construction include: Dugald River – 400 workers when operational, Capricorn Copper – 220 workers when operational, Thalanga zinc project – 100 workers, Auctus Resources Chillagoe project – 170-180 workers, Bauxite Hills – 200 workers when operational, Blair Athol – 150 workers.
The Amrun project will help secure ongoing employment for the existing workforce of about 1400 employees and contractors at Rio Tinto’s Cape York bauxite operations and Resolute Mining’s Ravenswood Expansion Project will maintain long-term employment for a local workforce of about 280 people.
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