PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Queensland Resources Minister Scott Stewart has approved the mining lease for the New Acland Stage 2 operation, saying it was done after “careful consideration”.

Coal miner New Hope Corporation welcomed the issue of the mining lease, noting that the only outstanding primary approval for the New Acland Stage 3 operation to proceed, was the grant of the associated water licence by the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water.

“New Acland Stage 3 stacks up environmentally, socially and financially and is consistent with and delivers on the recently released and extensive Queensland government Resources Industry Development Plan,” said New Hope chairperson Robert Millner.

“Unfortunately after 15 years of seeking approvals, New Hope remains at risk of ongoing delays caused by objectors utilising the court system to engage in ‘lawfare’ to slow down the approval process, regardless of the merits.

“We are hopeful that the Queensland government can see a way to finally approve New Acland Stage 3 with certainty to secure jobs in the region and significant economic benefits for Queensland.”

New Hope has now begun preparations for resumption of mining operations and continues to work collaboratively with representatives from the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water in anticipation of the grant of the associated water licence.

The Stage 3 expansion project will increase the mine’s yearly output from 4.8-million tonnes to 7.5-million tonnes and will extend the operation’s life by 12 years.

The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has also welcomed the approval of the mining lease, with CEO Ian Macfarlane saying it was a relief for the local businesses and people in the community who have supported the proposed mine extension.

“No resources project in Queensland history has been more scrutinised or assessed than New Acland Stage 3, so this is very welcome news for people in the Oakey district,” Macfarlane said.

“The QRC thanks Stewart for his even-handed approach, and we acknowledge the detailed assessment work that has taken place over many years by the Department of Resources.”

Macfarlane said the world, especially Europe, needs Queensland’s high-quality energy commodities now more than ever to provide energy security and stability in the face of ongoing geopolitical instability.

“Queensland’s exports such as coal and liquefied natural gas have a role to play as export nations work towards achieving their net zero emissions goals, especially as countries take the time needed to transition and implement new technologies, including renewables and carbon capture and storage, and further develop the potential for hydrogen to be a green energy source,” he said.