Mount Morgan Mine in 1996. Source : Queensland
The Northern Australian Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) will allocate $66 million to rehabilitate a currently abandoned gold mine in Central Queensland.
The mine, located at Mount Morgan, is to be rehabilitated by Heritage Minerals.
The mine closed in 1990 and has been managed by the Queensland Government since.
The Queensland Government is also providing finances to the rehabilitation through the Invested in Queensland program.
Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King said the project may result in hundreds of new jobs being created in the area.
“This much-needed project will create jobs and invigorate economic activity in the region.” Ms King said.
“It is an excellent example of renewal in the resources industry.
“This is another demonstration of how the Albanese Government is working to support communities in the North to ensure they are set up with sustainable industry for the future.” She said.
NAIF has provided the money to Heritage Minerals to go towards building a tailings processing plant and associated infrastructure, and to allow for rehabilitation of the Mount Morgan site.
NAIF CEO Craig Doyle said he was confident the infrastructure would be delivered to ensure the forecast public benefit is secured.
“The Mount Morgan project is consistent with the Australian Government’s agenda of diversifying economies and creating regional economies.” Mr Doyle said.
“With this latest invest, NAIF continues our momentum in terms of investments approved, projects reaching contractual close, delivering public benefit, and supporting Indigenous outcomes across the north.” He said.
The proposed tailings processing plan will treat approximately two million tonnes of tailings per year.
Additionally, a water treatment plan is to be built as part of the project, seeking to improve water quality for the Dee River.
