Centurion coal backed by Queensland Government

The Queensland Government has declared a $662m extension proposal of Peabody Energy’s Centurion coal mine as a coordinated project. 

The project, about 40km north of Moranbah, is expected to boost the state’s coal sector by delivering more than 500 mining jobs to Central Queensland. 

Development would extend mining from the southern area into the adjoining northern area as part of the full Centurion mine plan, which is projected to export premium quality hard coking coal to steelmaking customers through to 2055. 

Peabody president and chief executive Jim Grech says coal remains essential for steel production. 

“Centurion is also advancing our safety and sustainability commitments by extracting coal seam gas ahead of mining to improve safety and cut emissions, reusing the gas to power the operations and converting surplus into LNG to boost regional supply,” he said. 

Centurion is anticipated to produce 7.1mtpa of run-of-mine coal and extract 10pj of coal seam gas which will provide power to the mine and the state. Longwall production is set to commence in 2026 at the site. 

Queensland Deputy Premier and Development, Infrastructure and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie says the declaration demonstrates the Queensland resources industry is well and truly open for business. 

“This declaration will fast-track approvals by delivering a coordinated, whole-of-government streamlined assessment process to manage the project,” he said.