Extension Projects
Moolarben Open Cut Extension Projects
Welcome to the Moolarben Coal Open Cut Extension Projects webpage.
This webpage provides information on the proposed Projects and will be regularly updated as the Projects move through the approval processes.
In addition to this webpage, Moolarben will prepare regular newsletters to provide updated information on the Projects. A copy of the most recent newsletter (November 2022) can be download here Moolarben Factsheet and Newsletter March 2024.
A copy of previous newsletters can be downloaded below:
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February 2022 can be downloaded here.
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August 2022 can be downloaded here.
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November 2022 can be downloaded here.
Project Scope
In the first newsletter for the 'Moolarben Coal Complex Open Cut Extension Project' published in June 2021, Moolarben advised it was investigating opportunities to extend open cut operations to the south of OC3 and east of OC4. Following further consideration, Moolarben has decided to focus on the OC3 extension area.
Potential extensions to OC4 are still being investigated and more information on that project will be shared in future newsletters and on this webpage.
Proposed OC3 Extension Project
The Project proposes to extend open cut operations immediately south of the approved OC3 open cut pit as well as develop four new open cut pits to the east and south-east of the approved OC3 mining area, within existing mining tenements. The Project would provide approximately 10 years of mining (from 2025 to 2034), maximise use of the existing mining fleet and maintain steady production of run-of-mine (ROM) coal at the Moolarben Coal Complex. Post-completion of mining within the approved OC3 mining area the Project would be integrated with the existing Moolarben Coal Complex and would not change the approved duration or intensity of mining at the Complex.
Current Status: Assessment
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the OC3 Extension Project was lodged with the NSW Dept. of Planning on 10 November 2022. The EIS was placed on public exhibition from 17 November to 14 December 2022. During this period, government agencies, organisations and members of the public were invited to provide submissions on the EIS.
In response to submissions received on the EIS, MCO has amended the Project to reduce the indicative surface disturbance extent and incorporate additional avoidance and minimisation measures relative to the EIS.
An Amendment Report has been prepared by Moolarben to describe the proposed amended Project and additional avoidance and minimisation measures. Moolarben has also prepared a Submissions Report which directly addresses matters raised in the government, organisation and public submissions on the Project EIS.
The Amendment and Submissions Reports for the Project can be viewed on the Dept. of Planning’s website using the following link https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/moolarben-oc3-extension-project. Alternatively, you can also find the Project by searching for “Moolarben OC3 Extension Project” or “SSD-33083358” on the Planning Portal homepage.
Project Updates
Project updates will continue to be made available through this webpage and community newsletters.
Contact
For further information on the proposed Projects, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Email: moolarben.feedback@yancoal.com.au