Callide is an open-cut mining operation providing low sulphur, sub-bituminous thermal coal primarily for Queensland’s domestic power generation.
Callide consists of the Southern area of Dunn Creek, Trap Gully and The Hut pits. The fourth pit, Boundary Hill, is located 20 kilometres to the north-east. The mine uses both dragline and truck and shovel methods of overburden removal.
Location
Callide is situated 20 kilometres north-east of Biloela (population 6,000) and 120 kilometres south-west of the port of Gladstone.
Coal production
Coal reserves at Callide mine are estimated at approximately 225 Mt. Annual production is approximately 8 Mt of saleable coal. The coal fields cover an area of 176 square kilometres and contain seams up to 26 metres thick. Coal is sold under long-term contracts to the nearby Callide power station. It is transported via overland conveyor or by train to customers at Gladstone.
Ownership and operation
Callide mine is 100% owned by Anglo American.
Regional profile
The township of Biloela services the local rural community engaged in cattle and grain crop farming, as well as mining and power generating industries. It is the centre of the surrounding Banana Shire, which also incorporates part of our Dawson mine to the west of Biloela. Nearby cities include Rockhampton, about 145 kilometres to the north, and Gladstone to the east.
Environmental issues
The Callide mining lease area is home to a rich biodiversity, with 10 rare or endangered plant species present in the regional ecosystem. Mine management works with Government conservation authorities and local environment groups to assist in the protection and regeneration of rare or endangered species. Thorough vegetation mapping is carried out to maintain the valuable ecosystem and the final post mining land use strategy is to return rehabilitated spoil landforms to native ecosystems suitable for nature conservation and wildlife corridors.
Community relations
Callide plays an important role in the township of Biloela, supporting community events and assisting with the provision of important services. Of major significance is the partnership with the local high school which strives to promote and support the development of skills and employment opportunities within the community.
Cultural heritage
In 2004, the landmark Cultural Heritage Investigation Management Agreement was signed with the traditional owners of the area, the Palmtree Wuturu and Gangulu people. This agreement provides the framework for ongoing relationships and the management of site activity.
Callide Cultural Heritage acknowledgement
Environmental stewardship
Callide mine maintains a sustainable environment and exceeds the high standards expected by the community and regulators. The mine follows a customised, long-term plan for implementing and monitoring environmental management programmes through its Environmental Management Overview Strategy.
A shorter-term Plan of Operations highlights immediate goals, such as land rehabilitation, recycling and water quality monitoring. These strategies mean the mine genuinely cares for the environment by ensuring the mining operations have minimal impact on flora and fauna.
Our employees undertake environmental awareness training and assist in conserving soil, creating stable new landforms, planting and maintaining watercourses. The mine also recycles metal, oil, paper and other materials as part of a comprehensive waste management policy. At Callide, duty of care to the environment is everyone’s responsibility.
The mine's Environmental Management System was certified to ISO 14001 in November 2004. The mining lease area is home to a rich biodiversity. There are ten rare plant species, part of an endangered regional ecosystem of Semi Evergreen Vine Thicket. Thorough vegetation mapping is conducted to maintain this valuable ecosystem. The socio-economic value of this land, based on its background land uses, is primarily linked to the beef industry. The final post mining land use strategy is to return the rehabilitated spoil landforms to native ecosystems suitable for nature conservation and wildlife corridors.
Community
The Callide mine is located in the Callide Basin of Central Queensland and adjacent to the rural community of Biloela offering an ideal combination of country lifestyle and challenging operational experience. The Biloela township is home to around 6,000 people. The main industries include mining and power generation, a meatworks and grain crop farming.
Nearby cities include Rockhampton which is around 145 kilometres (about 1.45 hours drive away) and Gladstone which is around 120 kilometres (about 1.30 hours drive away).
The Callide mine plays an important role in the township of Biloela supporting community events and assisting with providing important services. Of major significance is the financial support for school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.
A number of services are available to the community, including:
- Employment
- Health care
- Schools and educations facilities
- Child care facilities
- Council services
- Facilities and community groups
- Entertainment
- Accommodation
- Clubs and community groups
- Festivals and events