Queensland Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, the Hon. Dr Anthony Lynham has announced the approval of mining leases for the Cameby Downs coal mine, which would increase production and extend mine life at the open cut site.
The Cambey Downs Mine is an open cut operation which is located in the Surat Basin approximately 360 kilometres northwest of Brisbane.
Following the purchase of Syntech Resources by Yancoal Australia in August 2011, the Cameby Downs Mine and several surrounding and regional tenements are 100 per cent owned by Yancoal Australia’s major shareholder, Yanzhou Coal Mining Company.
Cameby Downs produces a low ash export thermal coal and is connected by rail to the port of Brisbane with port allocation through the Queensland Bulk Handling facility. Cameby Downs has been producing thermal coal for export since mid-2010.
The current approval is 2.8 million ‘run-of-mine’ tonnes per annum, which is now set to increase to 3.5 million tonnes. The planned expansion will extend the mine’s life from 45 to 75 years, based on the increased approval limit. Production ramp-up is expected to commence immediately, with peak production expected to be achieved within 12 months.
The expansion is expected to create an extra 20 positions for the Western Downs.
Dr Lynam said the project is a vote of confidence by Yancoal in Queensland’s world-class resources, infrastructure and skilled resources workforce.
“For Western Downs communities like Miles and Chinchilla, it means greater opportunities for the current and future generations of locals to benefit from a strong resources sector in their region,” the Minister said.