The Northern Hub

The QCoal Northern Hub is based in the mineral rich Bowen Basin near Collinsville, Queensland and includes the vibrant Sonoma, Drake and Jax Mines.

The Northern Hub – with three fantastic mines and more projects in development – is an excellent example of QCoal Group’s hub model for world-class operations and sustainable growth.

The hub model substantially minimises environmental disturbance and vastly improves our capital and operating efficiency. It also ensures the long-term sustainability of our operations in the Bowen Basin.

Our open-cut mines seamlessly transform raw materials into high-grade coal. Our product is then railed to Abbot Point Coal Terminal near Bowen for export around the globe.

Working Together

The QCoal Northern Hub thrives under the expert operation of our carefully selected contractors, Thiess and Sedgman. Taking a collaborative approach, QCoal Group works closely with these contractors and other stakeholders to make sure that we’re focused on local talent, services and procurement strategies that support the Bowen Basin area.

We’re fully committed to maximising local industry participation. Our contractors will always give preference to local service providers that are competitively priced and compliant with the relevant standards and specifications.

At the end of the day, our operations at the Northern Hub are focused on cultivating local industry and fostering a legacy of shared success.

Our regional workforce

The QCoal Northern Hub is based in the Bowen Basin near Collinsville, Queensland. Over 50% of the workforce lives in the Whitsunday region, with approximately 20% residing locally in either Collinsville or Scottville.

Operations and jobs created in this area contribute over $3.6 million per year to local government through rate payments to the Whitsunday Regional Council. This is in addition to the support local jobs delivers to local families.

We’re also proud of our local talent recruitment initiatives, particularly our Indigenous employees. Approximately 6% of the workforce at the QCoal Northern Hub identify as Indigenous, despite the Queensland coal mining industry average for Indigenous employment sitting at 4%.

Quick Facts

  • Location: South of the community of Collinsville in the Bowen Basin in Queensland
  • Method: Open-cut
  • Product: Hard coking coal and thermal coal
  • Production: Approximately 6 million tonnes per year
  • Jobs: Approximately 600
  • First coal: 2008
  • Status: Operating
  • Traditional Owners: Birriah People
  • Local Government Area: Whitsunday Regional Council

Our Northern Hub Mines

Night time photo of a mine

Sonoma Mine

Sonoma Mine was the first QCoal mine to commence productions, pioneering our productions in the Northern Hub. Today it fuels global industries by producing 4 million tonnes of hard coking and thermal coal products each year.
Find out more about Sonoma Mine
Two people in workwear talking in front of a car

Jax Mine

Jax Mine is at the heart of QCoal Group’s Northern Hub, with a robust annual yield of 1.8 million tonnes of high-quality coal per year. As a key player in the Bowen Basin, Jax Mine’s production drives progress and powers opportunities.
Find out more about Jax Mine
Aerial shot of coal mine

Drake Mine

At Drake Mine, our dynamic mine site in the Bowen Basin, we’re producing up to 6 million tonnes of coking and thermal coal each year. This is then prepared and exported across the global stage.
Find out more about Drake Mine