The Queensland Resources Council has welcomed the State Government's decision to grant Resolute Mining nine new mining leases as part of a $150 million project to extend the life of its Ravenswood gold mine operations in north Queensland.
QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the announcement by Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham would secure the 280 existing jobs and create another 100 construction jobs for the new mine, 150 kilometres south-west of Townsville.
"Mining is delivering jobs and opportunities for Queenslanders," Mr Macfarlane said.
"At a time of rising unemployment in Queensland, decisions like this for Resolute Mining are a recognition that mining is a Queensland strength."
"More than 315,000 Queenslanders work in the resources sector. Their jobs are delivering record exports and record royalty taxes for the Queensland Government."
Resolute Mining's existing Mount Wright underground mine is due for closure next year. The expansion will see open pit mining at the adjoining Sarsfield and Buck Reef West deposits.
The expansion was given prescribed project status in late 2016, allowing the independent Coordinator-General to help Resolute navigate government approvals and cut red tape.
Resolute is able to fast track production by using its existing processing plant and equipment, and Buck Reef West is expected to be in production by July, reaching full capacity by 2024.