The Queensland Coordinator-General has announced the release of an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the $4.2 billion South Galilee thermal coal project as part of the Alpha coal mine in Central Queensland.

 

State Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney welcomed the EIS, saying the project will provide a significant stimulus for the local economy, with projections saying the project will employ around 2,900 during the construction and operation phase.

 

“The proposed project has an open cut and underground mining operation with an estimated mine life of 33 years and, if approved, could mine up to 17 million tonnes of coal a year for the global export market,” Mr Seeney said.


“The AMCI and Alpha Coal joint venture has advised that it will employ around 1,600 people during the two year construction phase of the project and up to 1,290 workers when the mine is operational.

 

Mr Seeney said the proposed project included coal handling infrastructure, a mine water management system, mine access roads, an on-site accommodation village and a rail spur to connect to a common user rail line.


Coordinator-General Barry Broe declared the project a ‘significant project’ under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 (Qld).

 

The South Galilee Coal project EIS will be available for public comment until 5pm Monday 3 December, 2012.


The EIS is available to view online at the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning website at www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/sgcp