The New South Wales (NSW) Independent Planning Commission (IPC) has approved the Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) Continuation Project in the Hunter Valley.
After six years in the pipeline, the project will extend HVO’s North mine from 2026 until 2045 and South mine from 2030 to 2042.
HVO General Manager Dave Foster said the State approval marked a pivotal milestone for 1,500 mine workers, their families and the regional economy.
“Our deepest and most sincere thanks must go to our dedicated workforce, our local suppliers, and the broader Hunter community. Their unwavering support throughout this process has been a driving force behind this successful result,” said Mr Foster.
Business Hunter welcomed the decision.
The region’s peak business organisation described it as an important step in supporting the Hunter region’s economic stability while it continues its evolution to a lower-emissions future.
“This approval helps provide the confidence, stability and time needed for governments, industry and communities to continue implementing long-term transition strategies while sustaining the jobs and businesses that currently underpin the regional economy,” Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes said.
The project, described as the largest coal mine expansion in NSW history, has drawn criticism from local environmental groups.
On Wednesday 30 September, Rising Tide activist Zack Schofield interrupted an address by NSW Mineral Council CEO Stephen Galilee.
“Half a million people are expected to die this summer because of extreme heat because of people like you, you’re here to make a buck,” Mr Schofield said.
“You’re not here to serve the Hunter you’re here to make a buck.”
Lock the Gate Alliance described the decision as a ‘generational failure’.
They argue HVO’s extension will worsen local air quality, disrupt water resources and generate more than 800 million tonnes of climate pollution.
Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley, said they need to move on.
“A decision has been made,” Minister Catley said.
“My strong view is that everybody need to accept what that decision is,
“All of this was taken into account in the making of the decision,
“I’m sorry Lock the Gate but it’s an inconvenient truth for you.”
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