The Bowen Basin, located in Central Queensland, remains Australia’s primary reservoir of coal resources, harbouring one of the world’s most significant deposits of bituminous coal. It continues to be a cornerstone of Queensland’s Permian coal wealth, hosting the majority of mineable prime coking coal resources in the region. Named in honour of Queensland’s inaugural Governor, Sir George Bowen, this region retains its historical and contemporary significance.

The Bowen Basin covers an area of over 60,000 square kilometres in Central Queensland running from Collinsville to Theodore, with a work force of approx. 40,000 people in 2022.

Queensland Treasury: Bowen Basin Resource ?Industry Workforce 2022

As of 2023, the Bowen Basin continues to be a stronghold for the coal mining industry, hosting several prominent coal mines, which remain key contributors to Australia’s coal production. Major underground coal mines in the Bowen Basin as of 2022:

North Goonyella Mine: Operated by Peabody Energy, North Goonyella mines the Goonyella Middle Seam, recognized for its high-quality metallurgical coal

Moranbah North Mine: Operated by Anglo American, mining the Goonyella Middle Seam, Moranbah North is recognized for its high-quality metallurgical coal production.

Broadmeadow Mine: Owned and operated by BHP Billiton, the Broadmeadow Mine is part of the company’s extensive coal mining operations in the Bowen Basin.

Grosvenor Mine: Operated by Anglo American, Grosvenor Mine is situated near Moranbah and mines the Goonyella Middle Seam.

Kestrel Mine: This mine is located near Emerald and is operated by Kestrel Coal Resources. It is known for producing coking and thermal coal from the German Creek Seam.

Oaky North Mine: Oaky North is part of the Oaky Creek complex of underground mines that mine the German Creek Seam and is operated by Glencore.

Grasstree Mine: Previously operated by Anglo American, Grasstree ceased mining in January 2022 and was sealed in October 2023. It was known for producing high-quality coking coal from the German Creek Seam.

Aquila Mine: Operated by Anglo American, Aquila Mine is located above the Grasstree mine workings and extracts the Aquila Seam.

Cook Colliery: Located in the Blackwater coalfields, Cook Colliery is an underground coal mine operated by QCoal, producing coking and thermal coal.

 

History

The historical exploration of coal deposits in the Bowen Basin, first reported by Queensland Government geologist Robert Logan Jack in 1878, paved the way for the region’s growth as a coal mining hub.

In 2006, the Bowen Basin was responsible for a substantial portion of Australia’s coking coal exports, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy. However, in 2010, the region faced significant challenges due to widespread flooding, leading to many mines declaring force majeure and struggling to meet their contractual obligations.

In 2023, the Bowen Basin continues to be a pivotal player in Australia’s coal industry, with its prominent coal mines supporting the nation’s coal production and the local economy.