The Queensland Government has approved the extension of Stanwell’s Meandu Thermal Coal Mine, located near Kingaroy, by a 21-year term.
The approval unlocks a potential further 200 million tonnes of thermal coal to power Queensland’s homes and industry, while also supporting the long-term future of 500 mine workers.
Coal from the Meandu Mine is exclusively supplied to the Tarong and Tarong North coal-fired power stations, which provide 20% of Queensland’s energy needs.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last says the extension sends a clear message to Queenslanders that coal-fired generation continues to power the state for decades to come.
“Coal continues to supply over 60% of Queensland’s energy consumption requirements and the Queensland Government will back our coal miners so they can get on with the job of supplying homes, businesses, schools, and manufacturers with the power they need,” Last says.
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington says the extension delivers long-term security to the 500 workers at the mine and those at the neighbouring coal-fired power stations.
“It supports local jobs, providing certainty to families who call this region home, and to local business owners who can continue to operate knowing they are supported by a strong local economy,” Frecklington says.
The Meandu Mine has an annual capacity of 7.6 million tonnes of thermal coal. Work first began on the mine in 1978, following the state government’s decision to construct the Tarong Power Station.
Stanwell is Queensland’s electricity and energy solutions provider, providing 33% of the state’s energy needs and serving the national electricity market.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Stanwell
