Conservation groups have slammed plans for Glencore's proposed $1.5 billion open-cut metallurgical and thermal coal mine in central Queensland, with the company estimating 14-16 million tonnes of coal product could be produced per annum over its 35-year mine life.

Queensland's Coordinator-General lists the Valeria Project as being 27 kilometres north-west of Emerald, with construction to begin in 2024, pending approvals.

If it goes ahead, it is estimated the project will create 1,400 construction jobs and 900 during its operation.

Valeria Coal Holdings, a wholly owned subsidiary of Glencore, submitted five Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) referrals earlier this month.

The referrals covered the mine site, on-site construction workers accommodation camp, rail line infrastructure, water supply pipeline infrastructure, powerline infrastructure, and communication infrastructure.

The referral stated that the project will include six open-cut pits and a coal handling and preparation plant, and will operate 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

Emissions concernsIn a statement, Glencore said it was undertaking a range of studies related to the Valeria coal resource.

"These studies and assessments will support the state and federal approvals process for the project, which is still yet to reach a final investment decision," it said. 

Glencore also emphasised that the development of any coal project, including Valeria, would take into account the company's climate change strategy and emissions reduction targets.

"Glencore has committed to reducing emissions by 15 per cent by 2026, 50 per cent by 2035 and an ambition of being a net zero total emissions business by 2050."

However, Ellie Smith, Queensland projects coordinator for Lock the Gate Alliance, said it was very problematic to open a new coal mine while the state was trying to reduce its domestic emissions by 30 per cent by 2030.

"[It is] going to jeopardise every other industry that needs to then fill in the gap and make up for the extra emissions from new coal mines," Ms Smith said.

"The people of Capella and Emerald need to be really aware that this isn't a project that's 100 kilometres away, it's a project that's right on their doorstep.

"It will have downstream impacts for communities all through the central highlands region.

"Theresa Creek, in particular, is a highly valuable creek, and it is a beloved creek in the local area, and the idea that that would be dug up for a new coal mine is pretty galling."

Dave Copeman, director of the Queensland Conservation Council, also shared concern for the project, stating that the proposed area for the mine included two state forests and strategic cropping land.

"While the world is trying to transition to green, clean, renewable power, we're continuing to invest in coal mines that are damaging our ecosystems. We want to see this mine stopped," Mr Copeman said.

Environmental impactAs well as impacts on local flora, the EPBC Act referrals detailed several species of fauna that could also be affected.

These include the endangered retro slider, the painted honeyeater, the yakka skink, the Dunmall's snake and the sharp-tailed sandpiper.

The referral also listed vulnerable species as possibly being affected, including the greater glider, squatter pigeon and koala.

According to the referral, consultation had also begun with all stakeholders on the project.

"These comprise traditional owners, landowners, community organisations, and local, state and Commonwealth government departments," it read.