Queensland Natural Resources and Mines Minister Andrew Cripps said in a statement, "The Grosvenor mine will create up to 1000 new jobs for Queenslanders and represents a significant expansion of Anglo American’s Queensland operations."
Anglo American Metallurgical Coal business chief executive officer Seamus French the company would safely develop a high quality operation over the next four years which would offer benefits to the community, the State and the people it employs.
"Securing the mining lease is a win for local business, State Government and the local community as it brings with it a steady stream of royalties, opportunities for new, existing and local suppliers and direct investment through our Moranbah 2020 $20 million community investment fund to ensure Moranbah continues to be a great place to live," French said.
In December 2011, the government also approved a detailed environmental impact statement.
The project, expected to triple the company’s metallurgical coal production by 2020, will comprise of a single new underground longwall mine, which mine will target the same well as Anglo American’s Moranbah North mine.
Bulk earthworks and construction of access roads will begin, the company said.
First coal production is planned in 2013 while long wall mining will begin in 2016.