Glencore has received the go ahead to expand operations at the Mangoola mine by creating a new open cut mining area, with the approval to extract an additional 52 million tonnes of run-of-mine coal over the next 8 years.
The Mangoola mine (located in the Hunter Valley) is expected to continue operations until the end of 2030, increasing operation time by an additional year. The mine produces thermal coal – delivering more than 10 million tonnes of saleable product in 2019.
Initially there were concerns about the impact of various aspects of the extension such as air quality, the environment etc, but the NSW Independent Planning Commission’s (IPC) has stated that “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 expansion will create an additional 145 construction jobs and 80 operational roles, along with ongoing employment for 400 workers. It will also support over 60 local companies and provide $129 million in mining royalties. The IPC stated the Mangoola Coal continued operations project will benefit the local economy.
As well as using existing infrastructure, The Mangoola Coal there will be the another haul road constructed, re-alignment of Wybong Post Office Road and increased water management infrastructure.
A spokesperson from Glencore stated “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.”