China First Project in Australia Gets EIS Approval


Waratah Coal’s proposed $6.4 billion “China First” coal mine, rail, infrastructure development and Queensland export facility—more commonly known as the Galilee Coal Project—has received approval for its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) from Australian commonwealth government officials.

The Brisbane-based Waratah Coal, a 100% owned subsidiary of Mineralogy Pty Ltd., plans to build a thermal coal project in the Galilee Basin coal region near Alpha, west of Emerald in central west Queensland, as part of its China First project. The mine will be linked to a proposed coal terminal at Abbot Point near Bowen by a new 453 km standard gauge, heavy-haul railway line, capable of carrying 400 million metric tons per year (mt/y).

Establishing the mine, rail and associated infrastructure, according to Waratah representatives, will generate 3,500 jobs during its construction phase and 2,275 jobs during operation in a massive boost to the state and national economies.

Managing Director Nui Harris said the environmental approval by the Ministry for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities marked an important milestone. “The EIS has involved consultation with stakeholders including federal and state government agencies as well as non-governmental agencies, local councils, indigenous representatives, the private sector, public organizations and local residents,” Harris said.

Earlier in 2013, China First enjoyed a Major Project Facilitation (MPF) status renewal by federal government officials through Q4 2016.


As featured in Womp 2014 Vol 01 - www.womp-int.com