The main by-product from burning coal at our sites is coal combustion products (CCPs). CCPs include fly ash, bottom ash and cenospheres. The coal combustion products we produce are either deposited in site storages or reused by other industries including in the production of concrete and building products instead of natural quarry materials.

Using CCPs conserves natural resources, saves energy, reduces associated carbon emissions, and contributes towards an efficient circular economy.

In 2023/24, 15.85 per cent of our ash by-product was reused (compared to 14.29 per cent in 2022/23).

Rehabilitation is an essential part of responsible mining and ensures a positive legacy remains after mining activities are finished. At our Meandu Mine, 25 kilometres south-east of Kingaroy in the South Burnett, we work closely with regulators to restore land which was once mined to a native ecosystem consisting of species which are best suited to the South Burnett’s climate and conditions.

In 2023/24, more than 39.4 ha of native ecosystem rehabilitation was completed at Meandu, taking the total land area rehabilitated to 704.9 ha since the 1980s.

In late 2022, a study examining silvopastoral systems (systems incorporating trees and livestock grazing) in sub-tropical and tropical systems, and opportunities for the farming industry to achieve carbon neutrality commenced at Stanwell Power Station. Stanwell has provided land within our 100 ha hardwood tree plantation for the project team to use.

The five-year project is being led by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) and co-funded by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).

The project is providing data that will be used to develop decision-making and support tools for local cattle farmers on the species, numbers, configurations and locations of trees on farming land to deliver carbon and other benefits.

In 2023/24 Stanwell and the Fitzroy Basin Association partnered to complete a creek rehabilitation project at Stony Creek, a natural waterway that traverses our Stanwell Power Station site.

The rehabilitation work included stabilising eroding banks by conducting bank reprofiling and shaping to allow for revegetation to take place.

Supported by a grant from the Reef Trust and Great Barrier Reef Foundation, these works will help prevent sediment from reaching the Great Barrier Reef. The project was delivered by the Fitzroy Basin Association, with Stanwell providing planning, technical and delivery support.

Tunuba has partnered with Stanwell to manage approximately 1,200 hectares of conservation land at our Stanwell Power Station, including the Stanwell Nature Refuge.

Tunuba (the Darumbal name for the Fitzroy River) is an Indigenous business which delivers a range of land management services to support the livelihood and economic development of local people and Central Queensland businesses.

Tunuba’s rangers are working onsite with ecologists to undertake strategic and cultural land management practices, enhancing the natural values of the site.

Image: Tunuba’s rangers joined by Stanwell Property Portfolio Specialist, Bill Francis, visiting Stanwell Power Station’s nature refuge.