Mining giant Xstrata plans to establish a ?super-quarry? that produces up to a million tonnes of raw material every year to source extracted materials to construct roads at its Wandoan mine.
Along with using materials for its own projects, Xstrata would open the quarry to the general public and council for construction of its own roads. The Wandoan Coal Project, which is in development, is an open-cut coal mine, a coal handling and preparation plant, and support facilities on a lease of over 32,000 hectares.
The Western Downs Regional Council mayor Ray Brown is in favour of the operation, with the council recommending its approval. ?Stringent? environmental protocols would be in place to protect the local community and ecology.
“Those include monitoring devices for dust, noise and light, and concerns with traffic on council roads, particularly if they are used by school children or buses,” Ryan told The Chronicle.
Ryan indicated the development would be a significant one for the region of Dalby.
?”It will also be open to the general public and council for the construction of our roads,” he said. “There are mines this size in the Bowen Basin, and this is just a quarry.?
SOURCE: The Chronicle