The Federal Government has approved the mine life extension of three New South Wales coal mines, allowing them to continue operations for decades to come.
More than 1800 jobs are expected to be secured in the move, with miners in the Hunter and Narrabri regions able to continue working for 30 to 40 more years.
The mines affected by the decision:
- MACH Energy’s Mount Pleasant optimisation project
- Ashton Coal Operations’ Ravensworth underground mine
- Whitehaven Coal’s Narrabri underground mine.
Now that the approvals have been acquired, the mines can begin various extension projects aimed at delivering even more Australian coal to the market.
Whitehaven will begin its Stage 3 extension project at Narrabri, which will begin operations to extract coal to the south of the existing mine, increasing its output from the current 11 million tonnes per year.
The extension would extend the life of the mine from 2031 to 2044, providing continued employment for hundreds of locals.
The Narrabri mine has been operating since 2012 and employs around 500 people, most of whom live in the region.
MACH Energy will also extend Mount Pleasant with a new road and continue deeper into its current footprint. Additional coal reserves will be added, including lower coal seams in the North Pit.
The extension will increase the mine’s current workforce to around 600 people, with a peak of 830 people.
“The project would provide community certainty for continuation of mining in the region and Mount Pleasant operation’s continued support for local community groups and suppliers,” MACH said on its website.
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