Bravus celebrates a milestone coal haul
The Carmichael coal mine has ten million reasons to celebrate, with the Central Queensland operation officially railing more than 10 million tonnes of high-quality coal for export to the world.
The milestone is a testament to the hard work of many thousands of regional Queenslanders who so passionately supported Bravus Mining and Resources over the years of obtaining its comprehensive approvals and building the mine and the supporting Carmichael Rail Network.
The Carmichael mine, near Clermont in Central Queensland, supplies high-quality coal internationally to help meet rising demand for energy in developing countries, while creating local jobs and economic prosperity in Queensland communities.
Bravus Mining and Resources Chief Operating Officer Mick Crowe says reaching 10 million tonnes of coal railed was an incredible moment for the company and those who have supported it.
“It has been a long journey from obtaining comprehensive approvals to building both the mine and the railway,” he says.
“Along the way tens of thousands of people have passionately supported our business. This is a terrific achievement for the team at Bravus Mining and Resources, our contracting partners, and our supporters.”
Mick says the business has also delivered on its promises to regional Queensland, creating ongoing jobs and opportunities for workers in Townsville and other regional centres.
“At the outset of the Carmichael mine and rail Project, we committed to delivering more than 1500 direct jobs during the construction and commissioning period and we’ve well and truly smashed that goal,’’ he says.
“At the peak of construction, we employed more than 2600 people, many of them living in regional Queensland.
“In addition, we have paid more than $2 billion and counting to regional Queensland contractors and businesses, creating ongoing opportunities for many workers.’’
Today there are more than 750 people working at the Carmichael mine at any one time, with another third of that number on their operations swing.
“The majority of our workers live in regional centres like Townsville, Rockhampton, Clermont, Charters Towers or Mackay,’’ Mick says.
“We always knew the mine and rail project would create genuine jobs and opportunities in Central Queensland and we are proud to see what an impact it has made to the lives of so many workers and their families.”
The 10 million tonnes of coal was transported by Bowen Rail Company from the mine to the North Queensland Export Terminal, north of Bowen, on the 200km Carmichael Rail Network.
The rail network, which connects the Galilee Basin to the Newlands Rail System into the Port of Abbot Point, was built as part of the Carmichael Project.
Bowen Rail Company is a sister company to Bravus Mining and Resources and was established in 2020. The business now employs more than 150 people in Bowen to operate, support and maintain its locomotives and rollingstock.
As part of its ongoing commitment to North Queensland, Bravus Mining and Resources recently moved into a new Townsville Headquarters.
After a six-year lease, the company relocated from the River Quays building in South Townsville to a new, fit-for-purpose, premises at the corner of McIlwraith and Dean Streets.
“The move into our new premises really cements our presence here in Townsville and reflects the success of the Carmichael mine so far,’’ Mr Crowe says.
“We’re really pleased to still be in a fantastic part of the city with access to Palmer Street, which our people love, and now we’re even closer to the stadium for when we go to cheer on the Cowboys.”
Mr Crowe says the future is bright for the Carmichael mine with the business focussing on continuing to export coal to meet growing demand for reliable and affordable energy, particularly in India and Southeast Asia.
“We are well placed to help meet rising demand for thermal coal and our product not only has a lower emissions profile than the coal supplied by international competitors, but it is mined responsibly in a highly regulated environment,’’ he says.
“Australian coal is going to have an important role to play, alongside renewables, as part of the global energy mix for a long time to come.
“This is great news for Townsville and regional Queensland as it will help to support secure jobs for generations to come at the Carmichael mine.”
Main image: Stephanie Wilson, Bravus CEO Mick Crowe, and Nigel Webster.
Image credits: All images supplied.
Click here for socials images from opening of Bravus’ new head office.
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