Bluff coal mine management project
The Bluff coal mine commenced operation in 2018 under Carabella Resources Pty Ltd and was initially developed to produce ultra-low volatile Pulverized Coal Injection (PCI) coal. The mine was placed into care and maintenance when mining services ceased in November 2020. Bowen PCI subsequently acquired the mine in November 2021 and recommenced mining, before transitioning the mine to care and maintenance in November 2023. The mining lease and its environmental authority were disclaimed in September 2026 and the former mine is now being managed by the State under the Abandoned Mine Lands Program.
Bluff was an open-cut coal mine, which has a pit, overburden stockpiles, and remnant plant and infrastructure including a workshop; roads and tracks; water storage facilities; chemical/fuel storages; laydown yard; access/coal haul road and infrastructure corridor; Run of Mine (ROM) pad; and pit access road.
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Project snapshot
Region: Central Queensland
Location: Approximately 20km east of Blackwater in central Queensland and adjacent to the township of Bluff, 23°35'24.0"S 149°04'48.0"E. The estimated disturbed area of the site is 510ha.
Commodity: Coal
Mining type: Open cut
Date of abandonment: September 2026
Status: Site assessment and development of long-term management options
Photo gallery
Key risks
Health and safety risks associated with:
- potential instability of open pit walls and waste rock dump features
- potential for fall from heights on pit high walls and waste rock stockpiles.
Environmental risks associated with:
- potential for sediment run-off via overland flow paths
- potential overflow from mine-affected site water storages
- potential for wind-blown dust.
Planned works
Preparations before the 2026–27 wet season, including procuring of required pumping infrastructure and improving dam site access.
Ongoing site assessment to inform development of long-term management options.