PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The A$1-billion Olive Downs metallurgical coal mine being developed by Pembroke Resources in Queensland, has received approvals from the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.

Pembroke said on Thursday that the EPBC approvals, along with the grant of an environmental authority by the Queensland government in 2019, provided a clear pathway to the grant of the mining leases and the start of construction, and the creation of over 1 000 new jobs in the region.

Pembroke chairperson and CEO Barry Tudor said the company was pleased with the outcome of a robust and highly consultative review process involved in the granting of the EPBC approvals, and considered the outcome to be recognition of the strong environmental planning the company had put in place.

“This is an exciting time for the company and the region’s wider community. The EPBC approval and the environmental authority which was granted last year, present key milestones for the project. The next key milestone is securing the grant of the mining leases, which will enable us to commence construction. We anticipate these to be granted in the coming months and look forward to construction and employment commencing shortly after this.”

Federal Resources, Water and Northern Australia Minister Keith Pitt said on Thursday that the approval was great news for regional jobs and businesses, and was important to both the Queensland and the national economy.

“The 15-million-tonne-a-year mine will provide at least 500 construction jobs and around 1 000 new operational jobs. It will add to Australia’s strong position as the world’s largest met coal exporter.

"Importantly, Pembroke Resources has also signed an agreement with the traditional owners, represented by the Barada Barna Aboriginal Corporation, to provide employment opportunities at the mine along with other benefits,” Pitt said.

Pitt said Environment Minister Sussan Ley’s approval of the mine was a "common sense" decision, and was good for both the environment and for mining.

“Pembroke has met every requirement asked of the company at state and federal levels, including a commitment to contribute $1-million over ten years to a regional environmental fund.

“It is important that the mining sector delivers for the region and for its workers.”

The Stage 1 project is expected to require a capital spend of A$450-million and will produce 4.5-million tonnes a year of steelmaking coal, which will be exported through the Darymple Bay coal terminal.