A new multi-million dollar open cut phosphate mine looks likely to go ahead after the Queensland Government completed its assessment of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

 

The Queensland Government announced that the Paradise South Phosphate Mine, located north-west of Mount Isa, had met environmental prerequisites.

 

 “The department is satisfied the EIS provides enough information and environmental management commitments to ensure there would not be unacceptable environmental impacts from the mine,” State Environment Minister Andrew Powell said.

 

“The department will now draft an Environmental Authority that provides strict environmental conditions for the construction and operation of the mine.

 

“These conditions will include requirements for surface water and groundwater management and monitoring, waste management and the rehabilitation of mined areas.”

 

Mr Powell said the mine would produce up to seven million tonnes of rock phosphate each year and the annual operating expenditure on the mine project is expected to be around $200 million per year over the 20 year operating life of the mine.