Moolarben extension approved by PAC

New South Wales’ (NSW) Planning Assessment Commission has approved the expansion of Yancoal’s Moolarben coal mine in the Upper Hunter Valley. The proposal could more than double the mine’s capacity from 12 million t to 28 million tpa through the addition of two underground mining operations and one large opencast mining pit.

In its ruling, the PAC said it was satisfied the project would have “significant economic benefits, both in terms of local employment and royalties to the state of NSW.”

The extension would prolong the life of the mine and create up to 120 full-time jobs.

“Today’s approval for the Moorlarben Stage Two Project provides greater certainty for our people, the community and the many local contractors and service providers who continue to support our operations,” said Reinhold Schmidt, CEO of Yancoal, in response to the ruling. “The Stage Two Project will provide new opportunity for investment and employment within the region and demonstrates Yancoal Australia’s long-term commitment to the Australian resources sector during a period of significant economic challenge.”

Written by Jonathan Rowland.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/exploration-and-development/03022015/moolarben-coal-mine-extension-approved-by-pac-coal1835/