The resources industry is securing jobs for regional Queenslanders both now and for decades into the future, with new investments the key to long term prosperity in the regions.
Queensland Resources Council (QRC) Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the recent announcement from Anglo American that it will expand its metallurgical coal operations in the Bowen Basin was a vote of confidence in regional Queensland.
"Every mining job matters in regional communities. And every mining job matters for our state's economy," Mr Macfarlane said.
"Anglo American's investment in the Aquila mine near Middlemount will see the mining of high quality metallurgical coal continue through until 2028.
"It will also support 600 jobs at its peak. This will be especially welcome news in Central Queensland.
"The resources industry is creating jobs in every town and city in Queensland.
"The most recent figures from the ABS show the unemployment rate in mining regions including Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday (5.3%), Central Queensland (5.6%) and Darling Downs Maranoa (5.6%) is below the state average of 6.1 per cent.
"With new projects and new investments, the Queensland resources sector will continue to support local jobs and local economies.
"The Aquila mine will use technology to make it one of the most advanced underground mines in the world when development begins this September and production of premium hard coking coal in 2022.
"Resources technology and resources jobs go hand in hand and can secure Queensland's place as a resources superpower that supplies the world with energy, steel and critical minerals."
