New exploration to secure exports
The Queensland resources sector has welcomed the Palaszczuk Government’s action to meet the growing demand for the State’s high-quality coal awarding two preferred exploration tenders in the Bowen Basin.
Queensland Resources Council (QRC) Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane welcomed Natural Resources and Mines Minister Anthony Lynham’s announcement as a commitment of confidence so crucial for new investment, additional jobs and ultimately royalties paid to the Queensland Government.
“The Palaszczuk Government understands the need to responsibly explore highly prospective land and produce our resources – whether it is metallurgical or thermal coal, gas or metals – for the benefit of all Queenslanders,” he said.
“Combined our metallurgical and thermal coal exports topped 210 million tonnes last year and were delivered to 37 countries around the world. On top of this, coal provided the State Budget with an extra $3.4 billion in royalties to help pay for schools and teachers, hospitals, doctors, nurses and midwives, and police stations.
Two junior exploration companies, Metroof Minerals and Sojitz Coal, were awarded the exploration authorities, Metroof was awarded 86 square kilometres while Sojitz Coal received 45 square kilometres. Both areas are within 60km south-east of Middlemount.
Queensland Exploration Council (QEC) Chairman Brad John said it was encouraging to see junior explorers awarded the tenders in the coal rich basin.
“A lot of people talk about diversity in our sector in terms of employment, but we also need diversity in the size of the companies involved in exploring,” Mr John said.
The Queensland resources sector now provides one in every $6 dollars in the Queensland economy, sustains one in eight Queensland jobs, and supports more than 16,400 businesses across the State – with almost 7000 businesses in the greater Brisbane region – all from 0.1 percent of Queensland’s land mass.
QRC’s current data shows that in 2016-17 Queensland’s coal industry contributed $37.8 billion to the State’s economy and supported 189,995 full time jobs.
Media contact: Anthony Donaghy 0412 450 360
