Isaac Downs Extension project
Project overview
Current stage
Description
- Construction and operation of an open-cut coal mine south-west of the existing Isaac Downs Mine (IDM).
- The project will be integrated into the Isaac Plains Complex (IPC), which currently includes the Isaac Plains Mine (IPM) and IDM.
- Existing infrastructure at the IPC will be used, including the coal handling and processing plant (CHPP), rejects and tailings disposal in existing mining dumps and voids, train loading facility, rail loop, mine infrastructure area (MIA), internal haul roads, explosives magazine, and connections to raw water, power and communication supply.
- Operation within a project area of approximately 2,707 hectares.
- Open-cut coal mine extracting 2—4.5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of run-of-mine (ROM) coal.
- The same mining approach and type of equipment that is currently employed at the IPC will be used at the project.
- Water management infrastructure including multiple mine water dams, sediment dams and clean water dams.
- Water supply to the project will be via the Eungella Burdekin water supply pipeline under the current contract with SunWater.
- The project may result in a void post-mining with further details on rehabilitation and post-mining land use designation to be provided as part of the EIS.
- The project proposes a permanent diversion of Conrock Gully (Strahler stream order 2) and alteration of the floodplain post-mining.
Proponent
- Stanmore ID Extension Pty Ltd.
Location
- Approximately 15km southeast of Moranbah.
Local government
- Isaac Regional Council.
Lifespan
- 15 year mine life.
Jobs
- Up to 150 (construction).
- Approximately 350 - 400 (operational).
Commonwealth approval needed
- Yes (controlled action 2025/10183) single EIS assessment process for Queensland and the Commonwealth.
Environmental impact statement (EIS)
The process for the assessment of this project is as follows:
- Submission of draft TOR
- Public notification of draft TOR
- Final TOR issued—EIS in preparation
- Public notification of EIS
- Proponent responds to submissions
- EIS assessment report
The proponent has submitted a draft Terms of Reference (TOR) for the EIS.
Written Comments
Written comments in relation to the draft TOR are invited from any person within the comment period opening on 8 September 2025 and closing on 20 October 2025. Comments can be made on the downloadable comments template.
Written comments should be sent to:
The Chief Executive
Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation
Attention: The EIS Coordinator (Isaac Downs Extension Project)
GPO Box 2454
BRISBANE QLD 4001
or by email to eis@des.qld.gov.au
Privacy statement
The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) is collecting the information provided in comments on the draft TOR for consideration in the EIS process. All comments (including names and addresses) will be provided to the proponent as required under section 44 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act), so that they may consider them and provide a response to DETSI. This consultation is a public process, and any comments you provide may be published (including online) and may be transmitted outside of Australia. You may wish to bear this in mind when providing your comments. Your information will not be disclosed by DETSI to any other parties unless authorised or required by law.
Notices and documents
Publicly available documents can be obtained by accessing the links below or by contacting Stanmore ID Extension Pty Ltd on 07 3238 1000 or emailing environmental.approvals@stanmore.net.au
Further information
For further information about the EIS process for this proposal, contact the EIS Coordinator (Isaac Downs Extension project) on
13QGOV (13 74 68) or email eis@detsi.qld.gov.au