North Goonyella underground and Eaglefield open-cut mines are located at the northern end of the Bowen Basin, about 160 kilometres west of Mackay. The combined operations produce around three million tonnes (3.3 million tons) of coking coal a year from a lease of 3341 hectares. Mining commenced from the underground in 1994.

Eaglefield is a conventional open-cut mine utilising excavators and rear dump trucks to strip overburden and uncover the Goonyella middle and lower seams. It is operated under a mining contract by Macmahon Contractors. North Goonyella is a longwall mine operated by Peabody employees.

The premium quality, medium volatile, high strength coking coal from North Goonyella has exceptional coking properties. It is able to make a strong and low reactivity coke in a wide variety of coke oven blends. Consistent quality has ensured strong demand from a diverse range of major steel makers in Japan, Asia, India and Europe. Coal is exported through Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, south of Mackay.

The mining lease has extensive reserves, including 42 million tonnes (46 million tons) of recoverable coking coal from the Goonyella middle and lower seams.

Peabody acquired North Goonyella in April 2004.

Eaglefield Expansion Project

Peabody is planning to increase production by extending the existing open-cut mining operation and expanding the coal handling and preparation plant. An application to voluntarily undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the expansion was made to the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This application was recently approved by the EPA, enabling the EIA process to commence.

Peabody has engaged Matrixplus Consulting Pty Limited (www.matrixplus.com.au), a highly experienced consultancy, to thoroughly investigate and report on all potential environmental and social impacts for the Eaglefield Expansion Project.

If you would like more information about the Eaglefield Expansion Project, contact us on freecall 1300 119 022.

• Click here  to view the initial communication Factsheet.
• Click here to view the second Factsheet.
• Click here to view the Initial Advice Statement for the Eaglefield Expansion Project
• Click here to view the draft Final Terms of Reference for the Eaglefield Expansion Project

If you would like more information about the Environmental Impact Assessment process, visit the Department of Environment and Resource Management’s website at www.epa.qld.gov.au .