The $95 million Bulga Optimisation Project Modification 3 has been listed on the NSW government's fast tracked assessment process.
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The Project was chosen according to NSW Department of Planning because it was 'supporting jobs, providing economic recovery of available coal resources using existing infrastructure, facilities and experienced personnel'.
The fast track process was designed to accelerate the assessment and determination of projects that inject investment into the NSW economy and keep people in jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is expected to employ 1000 workers and extend the life of Glencore's Bulga Coal open cut mine by four years until 2039.
Under the proposal, which is expected to have a determination by July 17, an additional 63 million tonnes of coal will be extracted.
The project's EIS was on public exhibition during October to November last year and received only 17 submissions with only two being community submissions voicing opposition to the modifcation.
Given the low number of objections the project would not have required an assessment by the Independent Planning Commission.
The Bulga Coal operation near Broke has been in existence for nearly 40 years.
A Glencore spokesperson said approval for this modification would enable the company to extract additional tonnes largely from within the same mine footprint.
This would enable Bulga Coal to continue providing direct employment and generate additional employment during construction of new infrastructure.
Last year Bulga Coal spent almost $334 million on goods and services from over 700 businesses, many of which are local or regional.
The reason for the modification is to extract coal from under an existing tailing dam which will require removal along with some infrastructure including workshops and fuel storage.
An additional 20 hectares of the site will be disturbed as will 200ha of rehabilitated land.