The Hon. Jarrod Bleijie, Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Media Release, 21 April 2026

The Crisafulli Government has declared two major resources projects for fast-tracked and streamlined assessment, sending a clear signal that Queensland is once again open for business after Labor’s decade of decline.  

The Coordinator-General has declared the $1.24 billion Corvus Metallurgical Coal Project a Coordinated Project, paving the way for a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process to assess its potential benefits and impacts. 

Proposed by Corvus Resources Pty Ltd (Corvus Resources), the project involves the development of a new underground longwall coal mine 17 kilometres north of Emerald.  

Once operational, the mine is expected to produce up to 10.5 million tonnes of raw coal annually for 25 years, with approximately 90 per cent of the ultra-low ash metallurgical coal destined for global steelmaking markets via the Port of Gladstone. 

The project is poised to deliver a significant economic boost to regional Queensland, creating 284 construction jobs and 500 operational roles, with construction of key infrastructure, including a conveyor and train load-out facility, expected to begin in 2027. 

In a second major boost to Queensland’s economy, the $400 million Big Vein South Gold Project has been declared a Prescribed Project, granting the Coordinator-General the authority to streamline approvals and fast-track its progress. 

Located 120 kilometres north of Richmond, the project is a new open cut gold mine in a greenfield location that is set to provide a major economic boost to North Queensland, creating 980 construction jobs and 380 ongoing operational roles. 

With production targeted to commence in 2028, the Big Vein South Gold Project will process approximately 1.95 million tonnes of ore annually, yielding around 100,000 ounces of gold doré each year. 

After a decade of delay, indecision and declining investor confidence, the Crisafulli Government is restoring certainty for industry, unlocking major projects and backing regional communities with jobs and economic growth. 

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said the Crisafulli Government’s decisive action on major resources projects was part of its commitment to rebuilding Queensland’s economy, supporting regional communities, and ensuring the State remained globally competitive. 

“During Labor’s decade of decline, major projects were trapped in bureaucracy, investment confidence collapsed and regional communities paid the price,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.  

“The Crisafulli Government is clearing the backlog, fast?tracking approvals and sending a clear message that Queensland is open for business again. 

“By streamlining approvals and fast?tracking major projects, we are rebuilding trust with industry, restoring certainty to the system and putting Queensland back on the map as a place that welcomes responsible investment. 

“These declarations send a clear message to the resources and critical minerals sectors, as well as communities: Queensland welcomes projects that create jobs, support regional communities and strengthen our economy.” 

Member for Gregory Sean Dillon said the declarations highlighted how important the resources sector remained to communities across the region.

“Projects like these mean real jobs for local families, strong demand for local businesses, and long-term economic certainty for the region,” Mr Dillon said.

“From construction through to operations, the flow-on benefits for contractors, suppliers, and town economies are substantial, and that’s why resource development continues to matter so much to our region.”

Queensland’s Coordinator-General Gerard Coggan highlighted the importance of the coordinated project process in balancing environmental, social, and economic objectives. 

“My declaration ensures a rigorous assessment of the project’s impacts while streamlining approvals through a whole-of-government approach,” Mr Coggan said. 

“The Office of the Coordinator-General will work closely with Corvus Resources to ensure economic benefits are maximised while protecting the environment and engaging with the community.” 

Corvus Resources Chief Executive Officer Chris Coombes welcomed the declaration, recognising it as a significant milestone in the development of the project. 

“Corvus Resources is committed to working with the Queensland Government and local stakeholders to deliver a project that supports regional communities, creates jobs and contributes to the state’s long-term economic prosperity,” Mr Coombes said.   

Strategic Minerals Corporation Executive General Manager Sylvia Bhatia said the company had been exploring in the North West Minerals Province for over 30 years resulting in this significant discovery. 

“The Prescribed Project declaration is a major milestone for Strategic Minerals and confirms the strategic importance of the BVS Gold Project to Queensland’s North West Minerals Province,” Ms Bhatia said. 

“This declaration gives us the confidence to move through the approvals process efficiently and deliver on the significant economic potential the BVS Gold Project represents – for our workforce, for Richmond, and for Queensland.”