Whitehaven coal
Preparation of Scoping Report
Supporting local jobs. Powering global progress.
Whitehaven is seeking approval to continue operations at our Maules Creek Coal Mine until 2044, ensuring we can continue to deliver economic and social benefits to North West NSW communities for decades to come.
About the Project
Maules Creek Coal Mine (MCCM) is an open cut operation located near Boggabri, NSW. Operations commenced in June 2014, with first coal transported in 2015. The mine has a workforce of approximately 865 people and supports a wide range of local suppliers and services.
Whitehaven has lodged an application with the NSW Government to continue operations at Maules Creek until 2044, which is a further 10 years beyond the currently approved mine life. With substantial coal reserves, the mine is well-placed to support continued production for decades to come.
If approved, it will support ongoing employment for more than 900 people and ensure the mine can maintain its significant contribution to the North West NSW economy.
As part of the comprehensive State and Federal Government assessment process, Whitehaven has worked with a range of stakeholders to develop a proposal that seeks to maximise the benefits and minimise the impacts of the mine’s continued operation, as outlined in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Delivering local and regional benefits
The Maules Creek Mine helps to diversify the regional NSW economy, sustain local communities, provide skilled jobs, and support global energy security and economic development.
Benefits of the continuation of mining will include:
+$225m
spent with businesses that operate in North West NSW in FY25
$223m
paid to the Maules Creek Mine workforce in FY25
70%
Approximately 70% of employees are based in local communities
14%
Approximately 14% of permanent MCCM employees identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
$168m
paid in royalties to the NSW Government in FY25 by Maules Creek Mine
70%
Almost 70% of public submissions on the MCCP EIS are supportive
$1.45m
More than $1.45m contributed in corporate community partnerships and donations in FY25 in NSW.
Key features of the Project
Whitehaven has worked with a range of experts and stakeholders to develop a detailed Environmental Impact Statement. The Project incorporates good design principles to maximise the benefits and minimise the impacts of the mine’s continued operation.
Key features of the Project include:
- An increase in the operational workforce to an average of 940 people, with a peak of approximately 1,030
- Continued operation of the existing coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP) and train load-out and rail spur infrastructure, with upgrades as required
- Upgrades to workshops, electricity distribution and other ancillary infrastructure
- Development of a waste rock landform incorporating geomorphic design principles
- Construction and use of a remote go-line, access, and infrastructure area
- Increased water efficiency through construction and operation of a water pipeline between the MCCM pipeline network and the approved Vickery Coal Mine to Tarrawonga Coal Mine pipeline
- A revegetation program to establish approximately 2,300 ha of native woodland Landscape
- Revegetation Zones in the vicinity of the mine (in addition to any offset and rehabilitation requirements)
- Continued placement of coal rejects within the mined out voids and the out-of-pit overburden emplacement areas
- Ongoing exploration activities
- Other associated infrastructure, equipment and activities
Next steps and community feedback
The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was submitted to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) in June 2025.
Major Projects PortalWhitehaven is committed to ongoing engagement with the community and relevant stakeholders. You can provide feedback directly to us at any time via:
1800WHAVEN (1800 942 836)
Timeline
Lodgement of Scoping Report
Secretary Environmental Assessment requirements (SEARs) issued from the DPHI
Commonwealth EPBC Referral Lodged
EIS Development
Development Application, including the EIS, lodged with the DPHI
DPHI reviews the EIS and prepares for public exhibition
EIS placed on public exhibition for comment
NSW Government Agencies comprehensive review of the EIS
Whitehaven responds to submissions received from NSW Government Agencies and the public
WE ARE HERE
DPHI assesses the EIS, submissions and Whitehaven responses
The NSW Minister for Planning directs the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) to undertake an Independent Assessment
The IPC makes a determination
The Commonwealth Minister makes a determination