Coronado Global Resources’ Mammoth underground coal mine is open for business with the first coal cut just before Christmas.

The mine was officially opened on December 19 and is located within the Curragh complex approximately 14 kilometres north of Blackwater.

The underground Bord and Pillar operation will form part of that complex that already consists of two open cut mines – Curragh South and Curragh North. Curragh has been operating since 1983 and was acquired by Coronado in 2018.

The Mammoth Seam was first discovered, named and mined in the early 1900s and has since remained untouched in its underground capacity until Coronado saw an opportunity for strong, organic growth.

It’ll be operated by Eclipse Mining and once fully operational will produce 1.5 to 2 million run-of-mine tonnes of metallurgical coal for export and steelmaking.

Douglas Thompson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director said, the Mammoth Underground opening represents the company’s entry into underground mining operations in Australia.   

“It marks our first foray into underground mining in Australia and underpins our strategy of delivering organic growth to increase production and lower costs,” he said.  

“We have combined our well-established expertise and heritage in underground mining from our U.S. operations with industry leading local partnerships to deliver this mine.  

“Mammoth is expected to continue our strong track record of realising value from our existing assets.   

“We would like to thank the Queensland Government for its support throughout this project.  

“The approvals we received were not just formalities—they were the result of rigorous review, collaboration, and a shared commitment to ensuring that this mine operates with the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and efficiency.  

“The Government’s careful consideration and dedication to responsible resource management have played a crucial role in making this day possible.”  

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the new operation highlights the ongoing success of Queensland’s coal industry.

“This is a significant investment by Coronado demonstrating the confidence in Queensland’s coal industry,” he said.

“The Curragh mine complex has been operating in the Blackwater region for more than 40 years, supplying metallurgical coal for export and thermal coal directly to Stanwell Energy’s power station to provide electricity for our state. 

“The opening of the underground operations ensures future employment security and will deliver additional royalties and taxes to the Queensland Government to fund essential services like schools, hospitals and roads. 

“Under the Crisafulli Government Queensland’s resources sector is open for business and we have an ambitious long-term agenda which will see new and expanded mining opportunities across the state. 

“We will never take for granted the abundance of our resources and the value the sector delivers to the Queensland economy, nor will we take for granted the more than 60,000 people who are directly employed in the industry.”