We’ve had a whip around the state to provide you with a small sample of proposed mining and energy projects to keep your eye on, and updates on current developments.
1 KIDSTON SOLAR PROJECT
The 150MW project will see the old Kidston gold mine transformed into the third largest large-scale hydroelectric power plant in Australia. The project was one of 22 projects successful in the Expression of Interest (EOI) stage of ARENA’s large-scale solar photovoltaics competitive funding round. Genex also announced in February the Etheridge Shire Council had approved the development application for the project. The project will be developed in stages.
WHO IS IT? Genex Power Limited
WHERE IS IT? Southwest of Cairns
HOW MANY JOBS? 900 construction jobs
WHEN? It is expected to be completed by 2018, with the first 50MW phase of the feasibility study to be completed this year.
2 ABBOT POINT PORT
The Abbot Point Growth Gateway Project’s final environmental impact statement was approved by the Commonwealth Government in December, with 29 conditions. This project will allow for the construction of a second trestle at the Port of Abbot Point, increasing the port’s capacity from 50 to 120 million tonnes per annum. This will ensure it can meet export requirements from Galilee Basin projects. The EIS, which was open for four weeks and received more than 55,000 submissions, found there would be no significant residual impacts on national environmental significance.
WHO IS IT? North Queensland Bulk Ports
WHERE IS IT? Abbot Point is located 25 kilometres north of Bowen, at the northern end of the Galilee and Bowen coal basins.
WHEN? In addition to the EIS, the project requires approval from state government agencies for onshore construction works and dredging works. The project cannot begin without these approvals.
3 CARMICHAEL COAL MINE & RAIL PROJECT
The $16.5 billion coal and rail project received final environmental authority from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection earlier this year. The mine is expected to produce 60 million tonnes per annum over a lifespan of about 60-90 years. It will also reportedly supply Indian power plants with enough coal to generate electricity for up to 100 million people.
WHO IS IT? Adani Mining
WHERE IS IT? The Galilee Basin in Central Queensland, about 160km northwest of Clermont
HOW MANY JOBS? 10,000
WHEN? The mine has had many setbacks, with federal approval overturned in August last year, before giving the green light again in October with 30 “strict” conditions. In November, the Australian Conservation Foundation lodged fresh papers to challenge the mine in court. The mine is awaiting environmental approval, with up to 140 conditions. In February, Adani finalised a compensation deal with the Isaac Regional Council.
4 NORTH EAST GAS INTERCONNECTOR
A 622km gas pipeline to Mount Isa from the Northern Territory, connecting the NT gas market with the energy needs of the eastern states. The project is worth $800m and will run between Tennant Creek and Mount Isa.
WHO IS IT? Jemena Northern Gas Pipeline Pty Ltd
WHERE IS IT? Tennant Creek to Mount Isa
HOW MANY JOBS? 900 construction jobs
WHEN? It is expected to be completed by 2018.
5 AMRUN PROJECT
Rio Tinto will expand output from one of the world’s premier bauxite deposits following approval of the $1.9 billion Amrun (South of Embley) project. Amrun involves the construction of a bauxite mine and associated processing and port facilities on the Cape York Peninsula in north Queensland. The planned initial output is 22.8 million tonnes a year, replacing production from the depleting East Weipa mine and increasing annual bauxite exports from Cape York by around 10 million tonnes.
WHO IS IT? Rio Tinto
WHERE IS IT? Cape York Peninsula in North Queensland
HOW MANY JOBS? 1200 during construction phase
WHEN? Production and shipping are expected to commence in the first half of 2019, ramping up to full production by the end of the year. The majority of capital expenditure for the Amrun project is scheduled for 2017 and 2018.
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