New Acland Mine
The New Acland Mine is located adjacent to Acland township, about 10 km north of Oakey on the Darling Downs in Queensland, Australia. Geologically it is part of the Wallon Coal Measures and contains more than 500 million tonnes of coal that is removed by the open cut method. The mine is owned and operated by New Hope Coal.
Stage 1
The mine began operations in 2002. It was officially opened on 13 March 2003 by Premier Peter Beattie. New Acland Mine supplies Tarong Power Station and both domestic and international markets. The mine has previously supplied Swanbank Power Station.
To supply Tarong Power Station beyond 2010 the Queensland Government has indicated its preferred fuel source will be New Acland connected by a conveyor belt. Local reaction to property resumptions, workmen access and building activities was not well received.
To suppress coal dust impacts on communities through which the mine's coal is transported New Hope Coal announced plans to apply a water-based veneer to coal wagons in late 2012.