The Queensland government has announced its backing for a new gas-to-electricity power project that will reduce mining emissions by more than one-million tonnes of CO2.

The government is investing in Kestrel Coal’s new 30 MW power station, north of Emerald.

The project will mitigate emissions being released into the atmosphere using abatement technologies. It entails expanding the underground mine’s drainage system to capture more fugitive gas.

Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick said Kestrel Coal is the second partner in Queensland’s A$520-million Low Emissions Investment Partnerships (LEIP) programme.

“Queensland’s metallurgical coal mining industry helps forge the steel that is necessary to build renewable technologies and achieve a net zero transformation.

“The LEIP programme is accelerating opportunities to drive down emissions, while supporting Queensland’s resources industry.”

The Kestrel project is expected to create about 160 additional jobs on top of the existing 700-strong mine workforce, ahead of full operations in 2026.