Glencore to extend Mangoola coal mine
The New South Wales Government has given Glencore the green light to develop a new open cut mining area at the Mangoola open cut coal mine in the Hunter Valley.
Mangoola is operated by Glencore Coal subsidiary Mangoola
Coal Operations.
The New South Wales Independent Planning Commission (IPC)
has approved an additional 52-million tonnes of run-of-mine coal to be
extracted from the site over eight years.
Mangoola’s operations are now expected to close in December
2030, adding 13-months to the existing development consent.
A further 145 construction and 80 operational jobs will be
provided with the extension, along with ongoing employment for 400 workers.
Glencore has welcomed the approval and stated it would
deliver support for the state’s economy.
“Glencore is pleased to note the NSW Independent Planning
Commission’s (IPC) determination to grant development consent for our Mangoola
Coal continued operations project in the Upper Hunter Valley,” a Glencore
spokesperson stated.
“The project has successfully met every step of the NSW
environmental assessment requirements and will enable mining to continue for a
further five years to 2030.”
The project will support over 60 local companies and provide
$129 million in mining royalties.
Air quality concerns were raised about the project, however
the IPC concluded that the impacts are “acceptable and the project is in the
public interest”.
The IPC stated the Mangoola Coal continued operations
project will benefit the local economy.
“Notwithstanding the concerns raised … the commission finds
that on balance and when weighed against the impacts under the current policy
and regulatory framework, the project would generate net positive social and
economic benefits for the local area, Hunter region and to NSW,” the IPC
stated.
Four conditions were imposed by the IPC alongside the
approval.
This includes a prevention of environmental impacts,
standards and performance measures for acceptable environmental performance,
regular monitoring and reporting and on-going environmental management of
Mangoola.
The Mangoola coal mine produces thermal coal, delivering
more than 10 million tonnes of saleable product in 2019.
The Mangoola Coal continued operations project will use the
site’s existing infrastructure while also constructing a haul road, water
management infrastructure and re-alignment of Wybong Post Office Road.
Mangoola was granted development approval in 2007 under
former owners Powercoal and Centennial Coal.
In 2009, Xstrata Coal (now Glencore) acquired the mine,
producing first coal in February 2011.
Glencore received National Group Mine of the Year, SEW
Eurodrive Coal Mine of the Year and the Flexco Excellence in Mine Safety,
OH&S awards for the Mangoola coal handling and preparation plant at the
2019 Australian Mining Prospect Awards.
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