- Kestrel Coal Resources to develop coal mine waste gas-to-electricity project
- Second investment from $520 million Low Emissions Investment Partnerships (LEIP) program
- Project to cut the mine's emissions by more than one million tonnes over eight years
The Miles Labor Government is backing Central Queensland's sustainable future by investing in a new gas-to-electricity power project that will reduce mining emissions by more than one million tonnes of carbon dioxide.
The project will expand the underground mine's drainage system to capture more fugitive gas, preventing it from being released into the atmosphere.
The LEIP investment from the Miles Labor Government is a major step forward for Kestrel in fast-tracking its decarbonisation activities, and is a great example of progressive coal royalties being reinvested in coal communities.
The 30-megawatt power station will built at the Kestrel mine, north of Emerald, and will generate enough electricity to power more than 40,000 homes.
Kestrel Coal Resources is the second partner in the Queensland Government's $520 million Low Emissions Investment Partnerships (LEIP) program.
The project is expected to create about 160 additional jobs on top of the existing, 700-strong mine workforece, ahead of full operations in 2026.
As stated by the Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick:
"Queensland's metallurgical coal mining industry provides helps forge the steel that is necessary to build renewable technologies and achieve a net zero transformation.
"The LEIP program is accelerating opportunities to drive down emissions, while supporting Queensland's resources industry.
"Kestrel's project will mitigate emissions being released into the atmosphere using proven abatement technologies.
"Importantly, we're protecting jobs in regional Queensland and supporting an industry that is crucial to our renewable energy future".
As stated by Kestrel Coal Resources Chief Executive Officer, Shane Hansen:
"Kestrel has focussed our resources on targeting substantive and innovative emissions reduction projects.
"This funding is a key enabler of our decarbonisation strategy and we welcome the partnership with Queensland Treasury and the LEIP program.
"The project will help support the future of our workforce as we continue to sustainably supply the steelmaking industry."
