Meandu Mine
MEANDU MINE
Annual capacity 7.6 Million tonnes
Supply expectancy 2037
Commissioned 1983
Overview
Meandu Mine is located 25 km south-east of Kingaroy in Queensland’s South Burnett region. It supplies coal exclusively to the adjacent Tarong power stations.
Work first began at Meandu in 1978, following the Queensland Government’s decision to construct Tarong Power Station. Regular coal deliveries commenced in 1984, and Stanwell assumed ownership of the mine from Tarong Energy in July 2011.
Download the latest Meandu Mine fact sheet here
Technical details
Meandu Mine currently operates four working pits and is managed by contract miner BUMA under stringent safety and environmental conditions.
Coal is extracted from three gently dipping seams, ranging from 2 to 20 metres thick, with the two principal seams located at depths of approximately 30 and 60 metres.
A 1.5 kilometre conveyor delivers coal directly to Tarong Power Station, improving transport efficiency and reliability.
Originally, the mine was expected to supply coal for up to 25 years. However, further exploration has identified more economically recoverable reserves, providing a secure fuel source for the Tarong power stations through to at least 2035. Read more about the King 2 East expansion plans below.
Progressive rehabilitation
Progressive rehabilitation has been a core part of Meandu Mine’s operations since the outset. This approach limits the area of active disturbance and enables land to be returned to productive post-mining use in a timely way.
The site’s rehabilitation work is well regarded across public, private and academic sectors.
Stanwell’s Progressive Rehabilitation and Closure Plan (PRCP) for Meandu was approved by the Queensland Department of Environment and Science in January 2024. Developed in consultation with the community, the PRCP includes post-mining land uses such as cattle grazing and water storage.
Since 2008, ash by-products from the Tarong power stations have been safely deposited into a void at Meandu Mine via an overland pipeline. This solution eliminates the need to source other fill for rehabilitation, supporting a more efficient and circular approach to land use.
Mine extension plans
The proposed King 2 East (K2E) Project will ensure an ongoing, secure supply of coal for the Tarong power stations, helping Stanwell maintain reliable electricity generation for Queensland.
The project will expand Meandu Mine’s surface rights area by approximately 187 hectares – a 7% increase in total operational land area – all within the current mining lease boundary.
Stanwell is progressing regulatory approvals with the goal of commencing mining in the K2E Project area in 2026.
Public notifications will be issued as part of the Federal environmental approvals process, and for a proposed closure of a section of Ridge Road that lies within the K2E Project area.
OPERATIONS PARTNER
BUMA Australia operates the Meandu Mine on behalf of Stanwell. Read more about their commitments and approach to business.
BUMA AustraliaMeet Andrew Toms
GENERAL MANAGER MINING
Andrew Toms joined Stanwell in 2022 as General Manager Mining. He brings extensive leadership experience across open-cut coal mining operations, having held both operational and technical roles.
Before joining Stanwell, Andrew was Mining Manager at Coronado’s Curragh Mine, and previously held roles with Glencore and Anglo American.
Meet John Carey
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT MANAGER: SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND
John Carey has been with Stanwell since 2008 and leads stakeholder engagement across Southern Queensland. He and his team work closely with neighbouring communities and local stakeholders to ensure transparent, respectful and ongoing engagement.
Contact John and the team via email:
Contact Stakeholder Engagement for Southern Queensland
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