Eaglefield Expansion Project
Peabody Energy Australia Coal Pty Ltd (PEAC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Peabody Pacific Pty Ltd, is the proponent of the proposed Eaglefield Expansion Project (EEP). The proponent seeks to extend its current open-cut mining operations and increase the existing Run of Mine (ROM) extraction rate from 5 million tonnes a year (Mt/y) to 18 Mt/y. The EEP is wholly located on Mining Lease (ML) 6949. The lease is situated approximately 36km to the north of Moranbah and 32km south west of Glenden in Central Queensland. This estimated increase would extend the current mine life for a further 11 years after the currently approved mining is completed.
The EEP would continue the current open cut truck and shovel terrace mining methods, though conveyor systems may be used for movement of both overburden and ROM coal. A diversion of upper Goonyella Creek would be required. An additional wash plant could also be required. Product coal would be transported to the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal.
The proponent applied for, and has been granted, approval to prepare a voluntary environmental impact statement (EIS) for the project. The Department of Environment and Resource management (DERM) is managing the assessment of the project using the EIS process set out in part 1 of chapter 3 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act).
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth)
The project is a controlled action under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The State's EIS process has been accredited for assessment under Part 8 of the EPBC Act in accordance with the Bilateral Agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia and the State of Queensland (2004). The controlling provisions are sections 18 and 18A (Listed threatened species and communities).
The terms of reference (TOR) has been finalised and was issued to the proponent on Friday 22 May 2009. A copy of the final TOR is available by accessing the link below. The proponent will now finalise the draft environmental impact statement addressing the requirements of the final TOR.
The process for the assessment of the Eaglefield Expansion Project is as follows:
Copies of publicly available documents can be obtained by accessing the links below:
For further information about the EIS process for the Eaglefield Expansion Project, contact the EIS Co-ordinator on telephone 1300 130 372. A copy of the final terms of reference and Initial Advice Statement and additional information about the project is also available by contacting Peabody on 1300 119 022 or visiting www.peabodyenergy.com.au.
Last updated: 21 May 2009