The low strip ratio opencut mine plans to produce around one million tones this year, ramping up to 5-6Mt next year and reaching 8Mtpa thereafter.

The first Queensland Rail coal train on the new track from Rolleston to Blackwater should be running within a fortnight, ABC reported.

The construction work force will be reduced from 130 to just 30 by the end of the month with 45 permanent mine staff to be employed.

Hosting a total identified coal resource of 600Mt, the mine is expected to have a life span of 20 years, with further exploration expected increase the mine's life.