Moolarben Coal is planning to support ongoing jobs and economic prosperity in the Mid-Western Region by extending mining at its Open Cut 3 (OC3) Pit.
The Extension Project will be integrated within the existing Moolarben Coal Complex, which has approval to mine until 2038. The project proposes to extend mining south of the existing open cut mine area, on land that has historically been cleared, and will operate within existing mining tenements on Moolarben-owned freehold land.
If approved, mining would commence in 2027, with no changes to the approved mine life or production rates.
Map showing the OC3 Extension Proposal area south of the existing open cut mine.
The Project has undergone rigorous environmental assessments, including input from technical specialists and government agencies. It has been assessed by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, and has been referred to the NSW Independent Planning Commission for determination. Once the State process is complete, the Federal Government will also make their determination under the EPBC Act.
Based on Government and community feedback, Yancoal submitted a second amendment to the project application to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI).
A 100 m setback from the Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, and mapped rock habitat features, for threatened bat species and the broad-headed snake.
An expanded Habitat Enhancement Area of 813 hectares along Moolarben and Murdering creeks (an increase of 625 hectares on what was originally proposed).
557 hectares of land rehabilitated to native woodland vegetation in the Moolarben Valley.
12 months of baseline groundwater monitoring before mining begins.
Downward revision of the project life by two years, from 10 to 8 years (with the same mining cessation date of 2034) to reflect the delayed mining commencement date of 2027. This will allow collection of 12 months of baseline groundwater monitoring data prior to commencement of mining.
