Queensland is Australia's second largest mining state with world-class
deposits of coal, base metals, bauxite and magnesite. The total value of
Queensland's mining production is about $5 billion per annum, and coal
accounts for around 55 per cent of that total. The environmental issues which arise as part of management and
regulation of the industry are resolved within the EMOS process. The
Environmental Management Overview Strategy is the cornerstone of the
policy 'Environmental Management for Mining in Queensland' developed
jointly by the Queensland Department of Minerals and Energy and the
mining industry. The Gordonstone Coal Mine is the largest underground mine to gain
approval under the new policy. Accordingly, Gordonstone has a well
planned environmental management program which takes into account
site-specific factors and provides for continuous compliance with the
provisions of the Mineral Resources Act in a self-regulatory context.