Norwood Coal Project (withdrawn)
Project summary
On 22 April 2014, Metro Coal Limited (the proponent) voluntarily withdrew the Norwood Coal Project from the EIS process.
The project would have involved the development and operation of a new underground mine and associated infrastructure to produce up to 6.5 million tonnes per year (Mt/y) of run-of-mine (ROM) coal, which after processing would have produced 5 Mt/y of product coal. The associated infrastructure would have included a coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP), and rail spur to connect to the Surat Basin and Moura Rail Lines. The project proposed to commence construction in 2015 with its operational phase beginning in 2017 and continuing for 20 years.
The proponent had applied for, and was granted approval to undertake a voluntary environmental impact statement (EIS) for the project.
The project site, would have been located on exploration permit for coal (EPC) 1167, in the Surat Basin, approximately 30 kilometres south-west of Wandoan. The mine would have used underground long-wall methods with coal conveyed to a ROM coal stockpile on the surface. Coal would have been washed at an on-site CHPP. Options for waste reject and tailings management were to be considered and assessed during the EIS process.
Product coal would have been stockpiled at the product rail load-out facility then be loaded onto trains and transported to the Wiggins Island Export Coal Terminal.
Queensland environmental impact statement (EIS) process
Environmental Protection Act 1994
On 22 December 2010, an application was made by the proponent under section 71 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 for the preparation of a voluntary EIS. The application was approved on 24 December 2010.
In accordance with section 41 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994, the proponent had prepared and submitted draft terms of reference (TOR) for carrying out an EIS for the proposal to the department's chief executive.
The final terms of reference for the EIS were issued to the proponent on 1 July 2011.
Commonwealth assessment process
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
The proposed activities for this project were referred (EPBC 2011/6130) to the then Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. However, the project was withdrawn before a decision was made about whether or not the project would be a controlled action under the Commonwealth’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Documents
- Final terms of reference
- Draft terms of reference (March 2011)
- Initial advice statement describing project (February 2011)
Further information
For further information about the EIS process for the proposal, please contact the EIS Coordinator on 13QGOV (13 74 68) or email eis@des.qld.gov.au.