The Queensland Government’s open for business approach and support for the resources industry is delivering 250 jobs at the Burton Coal Mine, following Argo Natural Resources’ acquisition of Bowen Coking Coal (ASX:BCB).
Argo is paying $120 million for Bowen Coking Coal, following securing a 70% stake in Fitzroy Australia Resources in late 2025.
The Queensland Government says this latest investment builds on Argo’s substantial coal portfolio and cements the reputable mining consortium’s long-term commitment to Queensland’s Bowen Basin coal assets and regional Queensland jobs.
Together, Argo’s investments secure the long-term future of more than 1,250 employees, contractors, and suppliers across four mine sites.
Argo CEO Richard Livingstone-Blevins says the acquisition is transformational when combined with the company’s existing portfolio.
“With a consolidated portfolio spanning 50km of strike length in the heart of the Bowen Basin, including two coal handling plants, two rail loops, multiple stockpiles, and an integrated haul-road network, Argo is exceptionally well positioned to unlock significant operational synergies,” Livingstone-Blevins says.
“This scale and infrastructure provide a strong platform to existing mining assets while accelerating the development of new mine opportunities across the portfolio.”
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last says the state’s coal industry continues to underpin the state’s economic prosperity.
“We continue to see renewed demand globally for Queensland’s world-class thermal and coking coal and Argo’s investment is another vote of confidence in our mining industry and the thousands of Queenslanders it supports,” Last says.
As of June 2025, the Burton Mine has mined 2.7 million tonnes year-to-date. The mine also contains a 37-million-tonne ore reserve, alongside a 281-million-tonne resource.
Burton has an annual run-of-mine production target of 2–2.4 million tonnes.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Bowen Coking Coal
