Detailed in its application to the federal government, the proposed development of the Kemmis II pit is scheduled to start in March through initial vegetation clearing while pit excavation is expected in July with the coal to be mined over the next decade.

Located within the existing mining lease, BMC also aims to get approval for associated access track, a sediment dam, haul road extensions and drainage developments and warned the mine would not be viable if approval was not awarded.

BMC chose not to renew the mine’s operation contract with Thiess and instead appointed HSE Contractors, which was effective on July 1.

The mine produces thermal and pulverised coal injection coal.

The federal application was made to meet the requirements of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.