Resources ramp up to create jobs
MORE than 8000 resource sector jobs have either been created in the past year or are about to be as the sector starts reacting to a revival in prices.
Natural Resources Minister Anthony Lynham told Parliament that it was the grassroots of a recovery, but the boost was showing signs of being much broader than coal with the north- west region around Mount Isa likely to benefit.
Base metal prices, such as copper, lead and zinc, have improved significantly with zinc up 31 per cent on a year ago.
Cudeco’s Rocklands mine is ramping up, creating 200 jobs, and Altona has backing for its Cloncurry copper mine’s development.
“It will bring 600 construction and operational jobs and MMG’s Dugald River zinc project near Cloncurry is on track to create 400 jobs,’’ Dr Lynham said.
In coal, Adani is preparing to start its rail line development and its anticipated 3000 jobs.
QCoal has started development of the $ 1.7 billion Byerwen coal mine and its 3350 construction jobs and 500 operational jobs.
Stanmore is investigating an expansion of the Isaac Plains coal mine while Glencore has been granted a mining lease for its massive Surat Basin coal project.
Dr Lynham said bauxite was also showing promise as China’s own reserves deplete and in coal seam gas QGC has started its $ 1.7 billion Charlie project with 1600 jobs and the Ruby project with 350 jobs.