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 contribution of over $200 million annually to local businesses and suppliers.

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).

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:

• The continuation of operations entirely within the boundaries of the existing approved tenements
• 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
• Increased efficiency in the mining and recovery of resources, with a modest increase to the production limit – from 13Mtpa to 14Mtpa – to provide more flexibility in managing output fluctuations from year-to-year. The existing approved transport of up to 12.4Mtpa will be maintained.
• 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 by 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 activitiesFurther information is available via the links below.