Mining Industry
Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac is located in the Central region; a world class mining province. It is also home to the Bowen Basin and the largest coal reserve in Australia. The region's significant deposits of coal supply around 50 per cent of the state's total volume of coal production and 76 per cent of its value. The Central region produces most of Queensland's higsh-grade coking coal, and much of the export-traded thermal coal. The region also hosts globally significant reserves of high-quality magnesite, oil shale and locally important limestone deposits. The extensive coal reserves within the region also provide the basis for a rapidly emerging coal seam gas industry. With over 20 mines operating across the region and several new mines planned, increased production will continue to fuel demand from this world class sector. The mining industry is supported by three major ports, Hay Point Services, Dalrymple Bay and Abbot Point (near Bowen). Proximity to deepwater ports, the presence of a competitive rail system, bulk water and low-cost, reliable electricity supply have helped to establish the region as a major hub for energy-intensive mineral processing industries, particularly alumina, aluminium and magnesia. The region is host to a number of large multinational mining companies including BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), Rio Tinto, Anglo Coal, Xstrata and Macarthur Coal. There are also a large number of small mining and mineral exploration companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX). With world demand for mineral commodities at high levels, the outlook for further growth in exploration, mining and, mineral processing in the Central region of Queensland is bright. This in turn augurs well for the economic prospects of the region and for Queensland more generally.
