Whitehaven coal
Blackwater open cut coal mine
The Blackwater open cut coal mine is one of the largest producing metallurgical coal mines in Queensland. It is situated 73 kilometres south east of Emerald, on the traditional lands of the Gaangalu people.
Operating since 1967, the Blackwater mine has a strike length of 80 kilometres and is one of nine metallurgical coal mines in Queensland’s Bowen Basin.
The Blackwater mine produces predominantly low-ash, low-sulphur metallurgical coal products, as well as high energy thermal coal.
Read moreRead less| Operation | Blackwater mine |
| Ownership | Whitehaven 70%, Nippon Steel 20%, JFE Steel 10% |
| Commenced operations | Opened in 1967, acquired by Whitehaven in 2024 |
| Location | 73 kilometres south east of Emerald in Queensland |
| Type of operation | Open-cut metallurgical coal mine |
| Operating hours | 24/7 |
| JORC Resources | 1,837Mt |
| Expected mine life | In excess of 50 years |
| Stage of operation | In operation |
| Workforce | ~2000 |
Rehabilitation
More on rehabilitationBlackwater has progressively advanced over 3,400 ha of existing rehabilitation towards achieving its nominated post-mining land uses of cattle grazing and woodland habitat.
Blackwater’s extensive mine life has resulted in rehabilitation practices changing over time. Initially, areas of rehabilitation were constructed by regrading dragline spoil rows to undulating plains and rises. Draglines were then replaced by dozers, resulting in longer, more uniform slopes that mimic natural drainage lines and aim to minimise erosion. With a historic focus on establishing pasture-based grazing systems, post-mining land use targets now include a suite of pasture land and woodland habitat.
Blackwater and Daunia overview video
Regulatory documents
Blackwater Mine - North Extension Project
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Department of Environment & Science – Assessment Level Decision
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BWM North Extension Project – EA Amendment Application – Appendix A
23.62 MB -
BWM North Extension Project – EA Amendment Application – Appendix B
6.06 MB -
BWM North Extension Project – EA Amendment Application – Appendix C
4.57 MB -
BWM North Extension Project – EA Amendment Application – Appendix D
39.19 MB -
BWM North Extension Project – EA Amendment Application – Appendix E
83.04 MB -
BWM North Extension Project – EA Amendment Application – Appendix F
49.27 MB -
BWM North Extension Project – EA Amendment Application – Appendix G
39.50 MB -
BWM North Extension Project – EA Amendment Application – Appendix H
47.79 MB -
BWM North Extension Project – EA Amendment Application – Appendix I
35.91 MB -
BWM North Extension Project – EA Amendment Application – Appendix J
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BWM North Extension Project – EA Amendment Application
23.99 MB
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BWM North Extension Project – EPBC Referral
12.10 MB -
BWM North Extension Project – EPBC Referral – Attachment A (1)
22.82 MB -
BWM North Extension Project – EPBC Referral – Attachment A (2)
23.23 MB -
BWM North Extension Project – EPBC Referral – Attachment A (3)
20.87 MB -
BWM North Extension Project – EPBC Referral – Attachment A (4)
22.60 MB -
BWM North Extension Project - EPBC Referral – Attachment A (5)
11.70 MB -
BWM North Extension Project – EPBC Referral – Attachment B
1.27 MB -
BWM North Extension Project – EPBC Referral – Attachment C
17.96 MB -
BWM North Extension Project – EPBC Referral – Attachment D
111.60 KB -
BWM North Extension Project – EPBC Referral – Attachment E
10.42 MB -
BWM North Extension Project – EPBC Referral – Attachment F
632.71 KB
Blackwater South Coking Coal Project
Contacts
Blackwater Mine
Contact us for more information, to provide feedback or to lodge a complaint.
Acquisition of Daunia and Blackwater
In October 2023, Whitehaven announced the acquisition of 100% of both the Daunia and Blackwater coal mines from BHP Group and Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd (BMA) in a highly attractive and transformative acquisition. Whitehaven took ownership following completion of the acquisition on 2 April 2024.
Further information is available here.
Sell down of 30% of Blackwater mine
On 31 March 2025, Whitehaven completed the sell down of 30% of Blackwater mine to Nippon Steel (20%) and JFE Steel (10%). Effective economic ownership of the joint venture commenced 1 April 2025.
Further information is available below:
Whitehaven to sell 30% of Blackwater coal mine for US$1.08 billion.
Whitehaven’s sell down of 30% of Blackwater mine to complete on 31 March 2025.