Major Hunter Valley mine extension approved, securing 1500 jobs
A mine extension tipped to inject billions of dollars into the NSW economy has been green-lit, securing around 1500 Hunter Valley jobs.
The Independent Planning Commission (IPC) approved the continuation of Hunter Valley Operations’ North and South open-cut mines, keeping them running under a raft of new conditions.
A mine extension tipped to inject billions of dollars into the NSW economy has been green-lit. Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
The mine’s future had been hanging in the balance since 2020, as the site was otherwise due to wind down production at the end of this year.
The project approval is estimated to deliver a $5.69 billion net economic benefit to the state, and $1.78 billion to the Lower Hunter alone.
The mine is expected to employ about 1311 full-time workers, with staffing reaching as high as 1500 during peak operations.
Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) is already a major employer in the region, accounting for almost one in 10 jobs in the local mining industry.
The decision came after the commission received 10,576 written submissions and heard 129 verbal submissions during a three-day public hearing.
Many centred on the mine’s climate impact, with the commission acknowledging the project was expected to emit 809 million tonnes of greenhouse gases through mining and the burning of its coal overseas.
The approval comes with strict conditions designed to curb those emissions.
Within six months, HVO must plan how it will cut or offset direct greenhouse gas emissions, including emissions produced during mining.
The company will also have to purchase extra carbon offsets beyond those already legally required.
Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell said the news came as a “relief for everyone in the Hunter Valley”. Kate Geraghty
It must take reasonable and feasible steps to maximise renewable energy use at the mine within four years.
Coal exports will also face new restrictions, and HVO must outline how it will limit sales to jurisdictions with emissions policies consistent with the Paris Agreement goals.
A mine closure plan must also be prepared within 12 months in consultation with Singleton and Muswellbrook councils, setting out how workers and businesses will be supported when operations end.
In a social media post, Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell said the news came as a “relief for everyone in the Hunter Valley.”
“Thank you to everyone who supported, assisted or made a contribution for this approval… thank goodness for common sense.”
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