Dept’s call on mine welcome

New hope for New Acland project

MORE than a year since mining giant New Hope was knocked back for an environmental authority amendment, the State Government has now given it the green tick of approval.

The news comes on the back of a number of battles in the state’s courts over the New Acland Mine near Oakey.

The company said in a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange on Tuesday that the Department of Environment and Science had granted the mine the amendment after meeting criteria set by the Land Court last year.

“This is welcome news for the company and the local community in which the project is located,” New Hope CEO Shane Stephan said.

“New Hope remains committed to delivering the New Acland Stage 3 project and will actively work with the relevant government departments to progress through these steps.

“Obtaining final approval as soon as possible this calendar year is critical to ensuring the continuity of operations and therefore employment for approximately 300 employees and 500 contractors currently engaged at the New Acland mine.”

The Department of Environment and Science confirmed the decision. The EA was rejected last February and is vital for the approval of any mine in Queensland.

The Land Court last November ordered New Acland re-apply to meet some conditions.

“The amended EA does not of itself permit the expanded operation to commence,” A DES spokesman said.

“The EA will take effect only upon granting of the associated mining leases by the Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy.

“The approved amended EA includes specific conditions from the Coordinator-General relating to noise impacts on the surrounding community.”