Gina Rinehart's Hancock Prospecting is investigating its Queensland asset further with the start of a feasibility study into a 30 million tonne per year coal operation.
Gina Rinehart's Hancock Prospecting is investigating its Queensland asset further with the start of a feasibility study into a 30 million tonne per year coal operation.
Coal project director Paul Mulder said the study will investigate options for suitable rail and port facilities for the Hancock Alpha coal project, located with the state's Galilee Basin.
"If the Hancock Alpha Coal Project proceeds, it will create approximately 2,500 jobs during peak construction, and 1,600 at full production, in addition to delivering the flow-on effects of improved social infrastructure, and establishment of support service industries for the local surrounding communities," Mr Mulder said.
"Our project will significantly improve the current supply chain bottlenecks in enabling current producers an alternative infrastructure solution.
"Our proposed infrastructure solution will also benefit the future planned growth of the coal industry, ensuring Queensland improves its coal supply and delivery."
The project has an open cut coal resource of 2.1 billion tonnes.
Below is the announcement:
Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd has commenced feasibility studies into the construction and operation of a 30 million tonne per year open cut thermal coal mine within Queensland's Galilee Basin, and is investigating options for suitable supporting rail and port facilities.
Hancock is a diversified Australian energy and resources company, with a proud record of pioneering the economic development of regional Australia.
Paul Mulder, Project Director - Coal, said Hancock has discovered significant mineral deposits throughout Australia, and has committed tremendous time and resources to the development of this mineral wealth.
"The pioneering spirit of Hancock that has led the development of the Pilbara, is now also being directed to the vast potential of the Galilee Basin in Queensland," Mr Mulder said.
"If the Hancock Alpha Coal Project proceeds, it will create approximately 2,500 jobs during peak construction, and 1,600 at full production, in addition to delivering the flow-on effects of improved social infrastructure, and establishment of support service industries for the local surrounding communities."
The Hancock Alpha Coal Project will deliver significant improvements to Queensland's current coal supply chain capacity, while providing alternative rail and port opportunities for current and future users.
"Our project will significantly improve the current supply chain bottlenecks in enabling current producers an alternative infrastructure solution," Mr Mulder said.
"Our proposed infrastructure solution will also benefit the future planned growth of the coal industry, ensuring Queensland improves its coal supply and delivery."
Hancock is committed to fully investigating the economic, cultural, environmental, and social implications of the proposed project in accordance with Queensland and Australian Government requirements.
"Prior to committing to any development, Hancock will conduct all necessary environmental investigations and assessments as required by the Queensland and Australian Governments," Mr Mulder said.
"We are currently working with local communities, and look forward to their ongoing comments, feedback and support for this important project."
A key outcome of these studies will be an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which will be developed in consultation with the community and lodged with the State Government for approval.
Draft Terms of Reference for the EIS are expected to be released by Government early next year.
