Mining giant Glencore says its plan for a new metallurgical and thermal coalmine in Queensland can be accommodated within its climate strategy.
The Anglo-Swiss multinational insists its proposed Valeria coalmine in Queensland will not upset ambitions for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Glencore is undertaking a range of studies and assessments on Valeria to support the state and federal approvals process for the project.
“The development of any coal project, including Valeria, will take into account Glencore’s climate change strategy and stated emission reduction targets,” the company told AAP on Monday.
Glencore has committed to reducing emissions by 15 per cent by 2026, halving emissions by 2035 and being a net-zero total emissions business by 2050.The Valeria Coal Holdings project within the Central Highlands is expected to produce up to 20 million tonnes per annum for 35 years.
The open cut metallurgical and thermal coalmine, 27km northwest of Emerald and 270km west of Rockhampton, would require a 300-bed accommodation camp, access road, rail line, water supply pipeline, power and communications infrastructure.
Environmental activists are already gearing up to oppose the mine, although Glencore is yet to reach a final investment decision.
Lock the Gate spokeswoman Ellie Smith said the six pit open cut mine would destroy more than 10,000 hectares of land near Capella – a key agricultural region where wheat, sorghum, and beef are produced.
The rail line and other infrastructure would impact a further 12,000 hectares, including prime farmland and important habitat for at least 17 threatened species or ecological communities, including the koala and greater glider, she said.
“If the Morrison and Palaszczuk governments approve this project, they will have no hope of meeting their stated emissions reduction targets. That means yet more extreme weather for Queenslanders,” she said.
“There is clearly no justification for approving this coal mine.”