Approved NSW Mangoola mine expansion to support 145 construction jobs

Monica Gameng   |   April 29, 2021
Mangoola Coal Mine (cr: ABC News)

New South Wales’ Independent Planning Commission has given the green light to the expansion of the Mangoola Coal Mine in the Upper Hunter Valley. 

The approval, which is subject to several conditions, is for the establishment of a new open cut mining area north of the existing mine operations. With the expansion, the Mangoola Coal Mine's life will be extended another 13 months. The mine is now expected to conclude operations in December 2030. 

The conditions that come with the approval will: 

  • Prevent, minimise and/of offset adverse environmental impacts 
  • Set standards and performance measures for acceptable environmental performance 
  • Require regular monitoring and reporting 
  • Provide for the on-going environmental management of the development 

The Commission stated that the project “represents a reasonable ‘brownfield’ extension of the existing Mangoola Coal Mine that would enable the economic and beneficial reuse of existing infrastructure and an orderly and economic use of land. 

“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.” 

Over the next eight years, an additional 52 million tonnes for run-of-mine coal is anticipated to be extracted from the expanded Mangoola Mine. 

The Mangoola Coal Mine, owned by Glencore, is located approximately 20 kilometres west of Muswellbrook and 10 kilometres north of Denman. 

The mine expansion – also called the Mangoola Coal Continues Operations Project – is expected to create 145 construction and 80 operational jobs as well as provide ongoing employment to about 400 workers. 

In addition, the project will generate up to $129 million in mining royalties and support more than 60 local companies. 

“Glencore is pleased to note the NSW Independent Planning Commission determination to grant development consent for our Mangoola Coal Continued Operations Project in the Upper Hunter Valley. 

“The project has successfully met every step of the NSW environmental requirements and will enable mining to continue for a further five years to 2030,” a Glencore spokesperson said. 

The Mangoola Coal Continued Operations Project will be utilising existing infrastructure including the Mangoola Mine Coal Handling and Processing Plant, rail loop and mining fleet. The project will also involve the delivery of a new haul road overpass that will traverse Wybong Road and Big Flat Creek and link the Northern Extension Area to the main mine area. 

Source: New South Wales Government – Independent Planning Commission; Australian Mining; Reuters; Mining TechnologyABC News; Glencore 

New call-to-action

Monica Gameng
As Felix's Marketing Assistant since 2015, Monica is responsible for researching and sharing new and progressing projects within the construction and mining sectors in Australia. It's no surprise that Monica has her finger on the pulse of Australian major projects given she has produced more than 1,000 posts. She truly is an industry expert.
Follow me:

Related Articles

Projects
Glencore's proposed NSW mine extension to create 350 construction jobs

Glencore has reached a new milestone on its proposed Glendell Continued Operations Project as it moves to the next stage in the approval process after the New South Wales Department of Planning, Industry and the Environment (DPIE) recommended the project to proceed. 

Projects
Glencore's proposed $1.5bn QLD coal mine to create 2350 jobs

A new coal mine is set to be developed in Queensland’s Bowen Basin as the State’s independent Coordinator-General declares Glencore Australia’s proposed $1.5 billion Valeria Coal Project as a coordinated project, which will fast track the mine through the approvals process. 

Projects
Glencore's $7bn Wandoan coal project in QLD receives first mining leases

Glencore has been granted the first mining leases for its proposed $7 billion major coal development in the Surat Basin in Queensland’s south-west region.

Get the latest project news

Formerly known as the PlantMiner blog, Felix Project News is Australia's top 10 Construction blog. Join thousands of construction and mining pros getting the best content right in their inbox.
  • updates on Australia's pipeline of state and federal projects
  • fresh contract awards from major contractors and builders

If you're looking to contact us about other matters, please contact us.