Queensland Premier Campbell Newman has officially opened the new $200 million Mt Carlton gold, silver and copper mine.

Evolution Mining’s new mine at Mt Carlton, in Queensland’s Burdekin region, will create upwards of 135 new fulltime jobs during operations.

State Natural Resources and Mines Minister and Member for Hinchinbrook, Andrew Cripps, congratulated Evolution on opening its fourth mine in Queensland and commended its plans to continue exploration in Queensland.

The current life of the mine is estimated to exceed 12 years, with the company expecting exploration successes to expand the lifespan of the Mt Carlton operations.

The first shipment of silver concentrate has been trucked to Townsville and is awaiting shipment to China for smelting within the coming weeks.