Dawson Mine land certified for cattle grazing
Anglo American has achieved a major milestone at its Dawson coal operation in Queensland’s Bowen Basin. The company has rehabilitated 82 hectares of land, now certified for agricultural use under the Environmental Protection Act 1994. Queensland’s Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation issued the progressive certification.
First among Anglo’s Bowen Basin coal assets
Dawson is the first of Anglo American’s five steelmaking coal operations in Queensland to receive this level of certification. The site now supports up to 135 head of cattle near Moura, Banana and Theodore in Central Queensland. Rehabilitation efforts began in 2012 and focused on restoring the land for long-term cattle grazing.
Figure 1: Dawson Mine Land certified for agricultural use under the Environmental Protection Act 1994
Returning land to productive use
Jason Fittler, Anglo American’s environmental manager, highlighted the importance of sustainable land use. “We’ve been working towards this since 2012 and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the land thriving again – this time as productive grazing country,” he said. “Our goal has always been to return the land to a sustainable use and this certification shows we’re doing just that,” Fittler added.
Focus on community responsibility and trust
Fittler reinforced the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community trust. “It is a significant step forward in building trust with our communities. Ultimately, the land will return to them, so it’s important we prove we’ve been responsible custodians,” he said.
Process involved strategic land rehabilitation
The certified land was reshaped and rehabilitated using stockpiled topsoil containing native seed banks and beneficial bacteria. Grass seed was sown to prevent erosion and provide food for grazing animals. Reliable water access also supported the area’s productivity post-mining.
Grazing trials confirm improved land quality
Cattle grazing trials at Dawson confirmed improved performance. Mick Kucks from MNK Kucks Pastoral said results exceeded expectations. “Some of land is better than it was before mining,” he said. “The cattle are hard to find sometimes, the grass is too long. A paddock full of grass like that – any grazier is happy to see it,” Kucks added.
Rigorous monitoring supports environmental outcomes
Fittler acknowledged the long-term commitment involved in achieving this certification. “The certification process involved rigorous monitoring and maintenance activities, demonstrating the critical role of land stewardship in ensuring successful rehabilitation outcomes,” he said. He credited everyone involved since the beginning of the process over a decade ago.
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Environmental performance backed by evidence
Fittler confirmed that the trials demonstrated the land’s renewed productivity. “Cattle grazing trials provided clear evidence of the land’s productivity, reinforcing the viability for future agricultural use to the regulator,” he said.
Continued focus on rehabilitation and sustainability
Fittler stated the Dawson rehabilitation marked only the beginning of the company’s broader sustainability goals. “This Dawson Mine certification is just the beginning. We’re continuing to seek opportunities to reinforce our commitment to sustainable mining and positive environmental outcomes on the lands where we operate,” he said. “We want to demonstrate mining and sustainable land use can go hand in hand – leaving a positive legacy for future generations in our communities,” Fittler added.
Anglo prepares for coal asset divestment
Anglo American is finalising the sale of its entire steelmaking coal portfolio to Peabody Energy. The transaction, which includes Dawson, is valued at up to US$3.775 billion (A$5.8 billion). The deal is expected to shift stewardship of ongoing rehabilitation efforts to the new owner.
Anglo American’s Queensland footprint
The company currently operates five steelmaking coal mines in Queensland’s Bowen Basin. These include the Dawson, Moranbah North, Grosvenor, Capcoal and Aquila mines. Anglo also holds joint venture interests in manganese and steelmaking coal, alongside exploration projects for base metals across the state.
