Gunnedah’s business chamber is urging the local community to pledge its support for the continuation of the Maules Creek Coal Project (MCCP) through a public submission for its ongoing operation.
Maules Creek Coal Pty Ltd has lodged a new development application to extend the mine life to 2044; to expand the mining area to extract an additional 117 million tonnes of run-of-mine (ROM) coal and to increase the ROM coal processing rate from 13 to 14 million tonnes per annum.
The open cut mine located in the Narrabri local government area is approved to operate until 2034 and considered a state significant development.
Whitehaven holds a 75 per cent stake in Maules Creek Coal, backed by a 25 per cent share by two Japanese related companies, Electric Power Development Co and Itochu Corporation.
The business chamber urged the community to support the project.
“As part of our commitment to regional development and job security and supporting our members, we encourage our members to consider making a submission in support of the MCCP,” the chamber said.
The business chamber detailed several reasons including “sustained local jobs and economic resilience in North West NSW”.
The mine is expected to increase its workforce from 865 to an average of 940 roles, with approximately 75 per cent locally based, and 20 per cent identifying as Aboriginal and, or Torres Strait Islander.
It also highlighted the mining operation’s continued support for local procurement and suppliers — contributing more than $200 million annually to local businesses.
The business chamber said the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) outlined detailed protections for biodiversity, air and water quality, and Aboriginal heritage.
It also praised Whitehaven’s standing in the local community.
“Whitehaven has a proven track record of community investment, with millions donated toward education, health, economic development, and special interest groups,” the chamber said.
“In FY24 alone, Whitehaven contributed over $1.5 billion in taxes and royalties across NSW and Australia.
“The MCCP also enables responsible resource management, including a water-sharing pipeline across Whitehaven operations, helping reduce external water use and improving drought resilience.”
Whitehaven lists the key features of the project to include continuation of mining operations entirely within the boundaries of the existing approved tenements and a revegetation program to establish approximately 2300 ha of native woodland Landscape Revegetation Zones in the vicinity of the mine – in addition to any offset and rehabilitation requirements.
Whitehaven said Maules Creek Coal predominantly generates a high energy content, low emissions thermal coal which is used to fuel new ultra supercritical power stations being constructed and operated in Asia. This coal produces comparatively lower greenhouse gas emissions than alternative thermal coals. A smaller proportion of coal produced at the mine is being sold as a semi-soft metallurgical (coking) coal.
Once all submissions are received, the project must pass several more approval stages including an assessment by the Independent Planning Commission and final determination by the Commonwealth Minister.
Public submissions close August 4.
