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) extracting 2–4.5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of run-of-mine (ROM) coal.
Key features
- 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.
- 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
In accordance with section 49 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act), the department decided to allow the EIS to proceed to public notification.
The EIS can be viewed online at https://stanmore.au/assets/projects/ide/. Electronic copies can be ordered by contacting Stanmore ID Extension Pty Ltd on 07 3238 1000 or emailing environmental.approvals@stanmore.net.au
Make a submission
Written submissions in relation to the EIS are invited from any person within the submission period, which commences on 19 August 2026 and concludes on 29 September 2026.
Written submissions can be lodged by mail 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@detsi.qld.gov.au
A properly made submission is one that:
- is written
- is signed by or for each person (‘signatory’) who made the submission
- states the name and address of each signatory
- is made to the chief executive
- is received on or before the last day of the submission period.
For further information regarding the EIS process for this proposal, contact the EIS Coordinator Isaac Downs Mine Extension project on 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or email eis@detsi.qld.gov.au
Privacy Statement
Please note it is a statutory requirement that all submissions (including names and addresses) will be provided to the proponent as required under section 56 of the EP Act, so that they may consider them and provide a response to the department. This consultation is a public process, and any submission 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 submission. Your information will not be disclosed by the department to any other parties unless authorised or required by law.
Pursuant to section 540A of the EP Act, the department is required to maintain a register of certain documents and information authorised under the EP Act. A summary document of any submissions made to the chief executive and the proponent’s response to these submissions, which may contain information provided within a public submission, will be kept on the public register. The register is available for inspection by members of the public who are able to take extracts, or copies of the documents from the register. Documents that are required to be kept on the register are published in their entirety, unless alteration is required by the EP Act. There is no general discretion allowing the department to withhold documents or information required to be kept on the public register. For more information on the department’s public register, search ‘public register’ at www.qld.gov.au. For queries about privacy matters please email privacy@detsi.qld.gov.au or telephone 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
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 the Isaac Downs Extension project, please contact the EIS Coordinator on 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or email eis@detsi.qld.gov.au