Peabody Australia will extend the life of its North Goonyella coal mine out to at least 2026 with the development of the North Goonyella South Project.

The company is  investing in a new longwall system, featuring a 300m face conveyor and advanced technology including automated steering, to support the extension.

Peabody President – Australia George J. Schuller Jr said the extension of the mine, near Moranbah, would secure employment for more than 230 employees.

“We are extremely pleased to be able to continue to provide employment for people in regional and remote locations,” he said.

“Any opportunity we have to support the local community through jobs and investment is a win for us, and we certainly feel we will be able to do this at our North Goonyella Coal Mine for many years to come.”

Queensland Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the announcement was more good news for the State’s coal industry and the men and women it supported through full-time jobs.

“It again demonstrates the strong demand for Queensland coal especially metallurgical coal which is used to make steel,” he said.

“Peabody has longstanding relationships with Indian steelmakers and a recent report from the Office of the Chief Economist highlighted the growth in metallurgical coal exports to India – increasing by 22 per cent over the last 12 months and forecast to overtake China as the world’s largest importer of metallurgical coal by 2020.

“The Indian steel story will continue to grow along with its urbanisation story.”