The acceleration of mining activity followed the Oakey Coal Action Alliance’s (OCAA) decision to withdraw its stay application, providing New Hope Group with certainty to progress New Acland Mine’s Stage 3 ramp-up plan. 

New Acland Mine General Manager, Dave O’Dwyer said first coal at Stage 3 is a breakthrough moment for the site’s 100+ workers.

“First coal, which was extracted yesterday at the Manning Vale East Pit was 16 years in the making,” Mr O’Dwyer said.

“It was a surreal moment to achieve first coal and validates the efforts of so many workers and community leaders, who stood beside New Hope Group as we secured the necessary Stage 3 approvals from the Queensland Government.

“Stage 3 first coal will trigger a significant ramp-up on site and a wave of additional milestones, including first washed coal via the onsite Coal Handling and Processing Plant and the first shipment of coal from New Acland Mine to the Port of Brisbane in more than two years.

“There will also be additional job opportunities on site, with at least another 30 fulltime, permanent employees needed before Christmas.”

It’s forecast 950,000 of coal will be extracted from New Acland Mine in FY24.

At the peak of construction, there will be approximately 600 local workers at New Acland Mine. Throughout the life of the project, the permanent workforce will be approximately 400 full-time roles, made up of Darling Downs locals.

Unlike a lot of other mines in Queensland, New Acland Mine does not engage fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workers, with more than 90% of the current workforce living within 50km of the site.

Local workers, contractors and local businesses will benefit to the tune of $1 billion over the life of the New Acland Stage 3 project.