Blackwater, Queensland: Mining Jobs and Town Guide
Blackwater is in the Central Highlands, Bowen Basin area of Queensland. The ABS 2021 Census counted 4,702 people for the Suburbs and Localities (SAL). Every fact below links to the page it came from.
Last checked 10 October 2026. Operations, services and airlines change, so confirm with the operator, council or airport before you plan a move.
Key facts
- State
- Queensland
- Region
- Central Highlands, Bowen Basin
- Population
- 4,702 people, Suburbs and Localities (SAL), median age 31ABS 2021 Census, geography: Blackwater
- Main commodity
- Coal
- Last checked
- 10 October 2026
Mining and industry around Blackwater
Whitehaven Coal's Blackwater mine is 73 km south east of Emerald. Whitehaven holds 70%, Nippon Steel 20% and JFE Steel 10%. It produces mainly low-ash, low-sulphur metallurgical coal plus high-energy thermal coal, using conventional multi-seam dragline strip mining with seven draglines. Whitehaven lists about 2000 employees and a mine life of more than 50 years. The mine opened in 1967 and Whitehaven acquired it in 2024.
Source: Whitehaven Coal, Blackwater mine, checked 10 October 2026Coronado Global Resources' Curragh mine is approximately 14 km north of Blackwater. It has two open cut mines (Curragh South and Curragh North) plus the Mammoth Underground bord and pillar mine, which produced first coal in December 2024. Products are hard coking, soft coking and PCI coal plus thermal coal. Curragh has operated since 1983 and Coronado acquired it in 2018.
Source: Coronado Global Resources, Australian operations, checked 10 October 2026
Getting to Blackwater
We have not found an airport or airline source for Blackwater, so we do not list one. The Central Highlands Regional Council website is the place to check.
We list airlines as published by the airport or council. We do not list fares or flight times.
Mining jobs in Blackwater
The operator pages cited above name these employers. Their careers pages list current roles.
Whitehaven Coal
Whitehaven Coal careersCoronado Global Resources
Coronado Global Resources careers
For other employers and the job boards that list FIFO roles, see FIFO jobs: where to apply.
These guides cover what sites ask for and what roles pay.
Blackwater questions answered
How many people live in Blackwater?
The ABS 2021 Census counted 4,702 people for Blackwater, measured as a Suburbs and Localities (SAL). The median age was 31. Other ABS geography types give different counts for the same place, so check the type before you compare towns.
What is mined or exported around Blackwater?
Main commodity: coal (Whitehaven Coal, Blackwater mine). Whitehaven Coal's Blackwater mine is 73 km south east of Emerald. Whitehaven holds 70%, Nippon Steel 20% and JFE Steel 10%. It produces mainly low-ash, low-sulphur metallurgical coal plus high-energy thermal coal, using conventional multi-seam dragline strip mining with seven draglines. Whitehaven lists about 2000 employees and a mine life of more than 50 years. The mine opened in 1967 and Whitehaven acquired it in 2024.
Can you fly to Blackwater?
We have not found an airport or airline source for Blackwater, so we do not list one. Check the Central Highlands Regional Council website for transport options.
Which council covers Blackwater?
Blackwater is in Queensland. The council is Central Highlands Regional Council.
Which mining companies hire around Blackwater?
The operator pages cited above name Whitehaven Coal and Coronado Global Resources. Apply through their careers pages, or see the FIFO jobs hub for other employers and job boards.