Cloncurry copper project
The EIS process for this project has now concluded.
Project summary
The proponent for the Cloncurry Copper Project is Exco Resources Limited (Exco). The project would involve the development of two open cut mining operations at Mount Margaret (located approximately 39km northeast of Cloncurry) and Monakoff (located approximately 20km northeast of Cloncurry). Ore would be mined at a rate of up to 3 million tonnes a year and the project is expected to operate for at least 10 years.
The environmental impact statement (EIS) assessed a range of ore processing and transport options and the outcomes of the assessment are discussed in the EIS assessment report.
The existing project tenures include Exploration Permit Mining (EPM) 8609, Mining Lease (ML) 90157, EPM 7085, EPM 14201 and ML 7122. A number of new mining lease applications would be required.
Exco determined that the project would be unlikely to impact on matters of National Environmental Significance as described in the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and therefore did not refer the project to the Australian Government Environment Department. Consequently, the Queensland EIS process was not accredited for the assessment of the project under Part 8 of the EPBC Act.
The EIS assessment report was issued to the proponent in June 2010, completing the EIS process under Chapter 3, Part 1 of the EP Act.
Documents
- EIS assessment report (June 2010)
- Final terms of reference (December 2008)
- Draft terms of reference (April 2008)
- Initial advice statement describing the project (June 2008)
Further information
For further information about the EIS process for the Cloncurry Copper project, contact the EIS Coordinator on 13QGOV (13 74 68) or email eis@detsi.qld.gov.au.