New kid on the block

Whilst action in the Galilee Basin isn't exactly breaking news Clive Palmers' recent announcements about Resourcehouse's coal contract with China has put the spotlight firmly on the Galilee basin. The contract with China Power Investment Corporation is to supply 30 million tones per annum of coal for around $3 billion a year for over 20 years.

The project, aptly named 'China First' will include multiple open cut & underground mines, associated infrastructure and processing facilities, a new railway line linking the project to Abbot Point coal terminal and an airport at this stage. It is expected that the project will generate 6000 jobs in the construction phase and 1500 during operation.

Besides Resourcehouse's subsidiary Waratah Coal; there are many oil & gas companies exploring for coal seam gas.

The project will stretch the skills in the Australian coal industry further and it will be interesting to see where the workers come from.

Forrest Briggs
Principal Consultant
forrest@recruitr.com.au