A new coal mine in central Queensland has received federal environment approval but no start date has been given for the underground operation.
The Red Hill Mine, north of Moranbah, is expected to deliver 2000 construction jobs and 1500 ongoing positions when it is up and running.
However BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) is yet to decide when operations will begin.
"It is important to note that no decision has been made in relation to the timing of development of the proposed new underground mine included within the Red Hill Mining Lease EIS," the company said in a statement.
The federal approval for the project also allows for BMA to expand operations at its existing Broadmeadows and Goonyella Riverside mines.
BMA said the approval provided certainty for the continuation of mining at its existing mines, and protected jobs "at a very challenging time for the coal industry".
It comes after the Queensland government approved the mining project with a number of requirements, including that it must not have a 100 per cent fly in, fly out (FIFO) workforce.
Another proposed Queensland coal mine, Indian company Adani's huge $16 billion Carmichael project in the Galilee Basin, is currently under a cloud after the Federal Court overturned its approval.
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