A road closure of Hoad Ln will be in place. Please allow 20min for road to re open
Please contact us via vickerycoal@whitehavencoal.com.au for more information
Vickery will deliver more jobs and a stronger future for North West NSW.
On September 15, 2021, approval was granted by the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act for the Vickery Extension Project (Vickery), and in April 2023, the Whitehaven Coal Board approved investment to commence the early mining of the Vickery coal deposit.
Subsequently, construction of an open-cut coal mine and associated on-site infrastructure has commenced about 25 kilometres north of Gunnedah. The mine will produce a majority of metallurgical coal for steel-making, with the balance being high-quality thermal coal destined for premium export markets in our region.
The project builds upon, and further optimises, an already-approved mine, on a site that has already been extensively and safely mined over many years.
net economic benefit to NSW
jobs during construction and operations to be created
capital investment
In April 2023, the Whitehaven Coal Board approved investment to commence the early mining of the Vickery coal deposit.
Early mining comprises a low capital project that will utilise surplus coal processing and washing infrastructure capacity at the Gunnedah CHPP as well as existing road haulage, rail and port capacity.
Construction commenced in June 2023 and first coal was produced in the June quarter 2024, with production set to continue to ramp up in FY25. Following ramp-up, ROM production of around 1.2-1.3Mtpa (~0.9-1.0Mtpa sales) is expected.
Further information about Vickery Early Mining can be found in the March 2023 Quarter Production Report
For information about employment opportunities, please visit the Whitehaven People & Careers page
Local businesses and suppliers are encouraged to register their interest here
Members of the community can contact us via email or our community hotline for more information, to provide feedback or to lodge a complaint.
Vickery has the potential to be one of the most significant sources of employment and investment in North West NSW over the coming years.
The Project will create approximately 500 jobs during the construction phase and 450 jobs during operations. We estimate it will generate approximately 170 new jobs in locally-based supplier businesses.
construction jobs
operational jobs
of workforce locally-based
in wages that will help support local businesses
Please register your interest for the four major work packages associated with the construction works for this landmark project.
We have comprehensively studied the potential impacts of the proposal to ensure environmental impacts are minimised, mitigated or offset.
The results of these studies are outlined in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which incorporates some 18 specialist assessments from independent scientific and technical experts, and shows that noise, air quality and visual impacts of the mine are similar or better than what is already approved.
Major assessments from scientific and technical experts
Noise, air quality and visual impacts same or better than what is already approved
No mining in the ‘Blue Vale’ pit
Whitehaven submits the Development Application, including the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), for assessment.
NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) reviews the ElS and prepares for public exhibition.
ElS placed on public exhibition, and submissions are lodged. Commonwealth Independent Expert Scientific Committee reviews ElS.
The DPIE assesses the ElS and publishes a report outlining preliminary considerations.
The NSW Minister for Planning may direct the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) to undertake an independent review of the Project.
The IPC holds public hearings and calls for public comment on the Project.
Whitehaven prepares a response to submissions made during the exhibition period and public hearings.
DPIE delivers its whole-of-Government assessment of the Project, to be considered by the IPC.
The IPC may hold additional public hearings into the Project.
The IPC will make a determination. If the Project is approved, conditions will be imposed.
Commonwealth Government determination - if approved, conditions are likely to be imposed.
Next Scheduled blast:
Blast details:
A road closure of Hoad Ln will be in place. Please allow 20min for road to re open
Please contact us via vickerycoal@whitehavencoal.com.au for more information
Information updated:
10/10/2024
Members of the community can contact us via email or our community hotline for more information, to provide feedback or to lodge a complaint.
VICKERYCOAL@WHITEHAVENCOAL.COM.AU
All contactsat the former Vickery Coal Mine, owned by Rio Tinto
Rehabilitation works commenced
VCM-Authorisation 406
706.45 KBVCM-Exploration Lease-EL 4699
4.56 MBVCM-Exploration Lease-EL 5831
3.13 MBVCM-Exploration Lease-EL 8224.PDF
2.3 MBVCM-Exploration Licence-EL 7407
2.61 MBVCM-Mining Lease 1718
306.1 KBVCM-Mining Lease-CL 316
887.23 KBVCM-Mining Lease-ML 1464
1.4 MBVCM-Mining Lease-ML 1471
1.82 MBVCM-Mining Lease-ML 1838
1.11 MBThe Vickery Extension Project Community Consultative Committee (CCC) is looking for a mix of people who live locally or are members of a local community or stakeholder group (e.g. social, environment, Aboriginal or industry) to contribute constructively to committee discussions, attend around four meetings a year, and communicate information about the mine’s social and environmental operations between the committee and the broader community. Committee membership is voluntary. Whitehaven employees and contractors are not eligible for appointment to the committee as a community representative.
To make an Expression of Interest to join the Vickery Extension Project CCC, please review the criteria, complete an application form and return it to the independent chairperson of the CCC, Roberta Ryan at Roberta.Ryan@newcastle.edu.au or PO Box 600, Gunnedah, NSW 2380.
For more information contact Roberta Ryan on 0402 209 896.
2015 - CCC Meeting Minutes
76.83 KB2016 - CCC Meeting Minutes and Presentation
3.3 MB2017 - CCC Meeting Minutes and Presentation
2.66 MB2018 - CCC Meeting Minutes and Presentation
9.82 MB2019 - CCC Meeting Minutes and Presentation
9.64 MB2020 - CCC Meeting Minutes and Presentation
5.85 MB2021 - CCC Meeting Minutes and Presentation
2.89 MB2023 - CCC Meeting Minutes and Presentation
5.97 MB2024 - April CCC Minutes and Report
1.65 MB2024 July CCC Minutes and Report- DRAFT
5.12 MBVCM-CCC Meeting Notice
163.94 KBVCM-Amendment Report
25.39 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement- Executive Summary
17.95 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement- Table of Contents
1.11 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement- Section 1 - Introduction
14.23 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement- Section 2 - Project Description
16.11 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement- Section 3 - Consulation and Community Initiatives
1.12 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement- Section 4 - Environmental Assessment
23.02 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement- Section 5 - Rehabilitation Strategy
16.75 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement- Section 6 - Planning Framework and Project Justification
930.03 KBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement- Section 7 - Summary of Management, Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting
903.64 KBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement- Section 8 - References
663.92 KBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement- Section 9 - Abbreviations, Acronyms and Glossary
706.18 KBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix A - Groundwater Assessment (Part 1)
16.94 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix A - Groundwater Assessment (Part 2)
11.75 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix B - Surface Water Assessment
9.85 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix C - Flood Assessment
16.29 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix D - Noise and Blasting Assessment
6.67 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix E - Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Assessment
9.74 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix F - BARBOS (Part 1)
18.2 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix F - BARBOS (Part 2)
9.75 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix F - BARBOS (Part 3)
20.37 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix G - ACHA (Part 1)
26.29 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix G - ACHA (Part 2)
15.56 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix G - ACHA (Part 3)
15.24 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix H - Agricultural Impact Statement
17.13 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix I - Road Transport Assessment
19.58 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix J - Economic Assessment
1.76 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix K - Historic Heritage Assessment
8.6 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix L - Visual Assessment
11.11 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix M - Geochemistry Assessment
8.9 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix N - Aquatic Ecology Assessment
8.1 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix O - Environmental Risk Assessment
8.99 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix P - Preliminary Hazard Analysis
13.38 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix Q - Land Contamination Assessment (Part 1)
10.08 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix Q - Land Contamination Assessment (Part 2)
24.96 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix R - Social Impact Assessment
4.58 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Attachment 1 - Secretary's Environmental Assessment Requirements
3.88 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Attachment 2 - Matters of National Environmental Significance Cross Reference Table
916.79 KBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Attachment 3 - Development Application Area and Real Property Descriptions
767.72 KBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Attachment 4 - Peer Review Letters
5.33 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Attachment 5 - Planning Instruments Addendum
892.96 KBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Attachment 6 - Aquifer Interference Policy Considerations and Water Licensing Addendum
1.34 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Attachment 7 - Capital Investment Value Estimate Report
1021.38 KBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Attachment 8 - Community Information
13.45 MBVCM-Environmental Impact Statement-Attachment 9 - Site Verification Certificate
860.35 KBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement- Executive Summary
4.03 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement- Table of Contents
83.63 KBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement- Section 1 - Introduction
2.16 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement- Section 2 - Project Description
3.48 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement- Section 3 - Consultation and Community Initiatives
1010.12 KBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement- Section 4 - Environmental Assessment - Part 1
9.01 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement- Section 4 - Environmental Assessment - Part 2
7.63 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement- Section 5 - Rehabilitation and Mine Closure
4.21 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement- Section 6 - Planning Framework and Project Justification
1.08 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement- Section 7 - Summary of Management, Mitigationm Monitoring and Reporting
1.42 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement- Section 8 - References
957.67 KBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement- Section 9 - Abbreviations and Acronyms and Glossary
964.4 KBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix A - Groundwater Assessment - Part 1
7.81 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix A - Groundwater Assessment - Part 2
14.06 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix B - Surface Water Assessment - Part 1
7.77 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix B - Surface Water Assessment - Part 2
9.97 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix B - Surface Water Assessment - Part 3
8.84 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix B - Surface Water Assessment - Part 4
6.95 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix C - Noise and Blasting Assessment
4.93 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix D - Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Assessment
8.62 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix E - Ecological Assessment - Part 1
10.96 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix E - Ecological Assessment - Part 2
7.26 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix F - Road Transport Assessment
4.65 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix G - Agricultural Impact Statement - Part 1
7.65 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix G - Agricultural Impact Statement - Part 2
9.07 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix H - Visual Assessment
4.77 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix I - Aboriginal Cultural Heritage - Assessment Part 1
2.82 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix I - Aboriginal Cultural Heritage - Assessment Part 2
11.99 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix J - Non Aboriginal Heritage Assessment
3.31 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix K - Socio Economic Assessment
1.44 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix L - Geochemistry Assessment
1.84 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix M - Environmental Risk Assessment
1.35 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix N - Preliminary Hazard Analysis
1.25 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix O - Land Contamination Assessment - Part 1
8.35 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix O - Land Contamination Assessment - Part 2
12.44 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Appendix O - Land Contamination Assessment - Part 3
12.01 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Attachment 1 - Director Generals Requirements
2.51 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Attachment 2 - Development Application Area and Real Property Descriptions
1.04 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Attachment 3 - Relevant Environmental Planning Instruments
1.11 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Attachment 4- Potential Interactions between Project and other Majors Projects
1000.17 KBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Attachment 5 - Water Licensing Requirement
1.11 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Attachment 6 - Community Information
1.85 MBVIC-Environmental Impact Statement-Attachment 7 - Peer Review Letter
1.34 MBVIC-Vickery Coal Project - Project Description and PEA
1.7 MBEnvironmental Management Strategy
2.61 MBVIC- Blast Management Plan
2.57 MBVIC-Water Management Plan
6.63 MBWHC-PLN-VCM-Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan
2.42 MBWHC-PLN-VCM-Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan
2.7 MBWHC-PLN-VCM-Bushfire Management Plan
2.82 MBWHC-PLN-VCM-Historic Heritage Management Plan
2.17 MBWHC-PLN-VCM-Koala Plan of Management
2.33 MBWHC-PLN-VCM-Rehabilitation Management Plan
15.23 MBWHC-PLN-VCM-Social Impact Management Plan
741.57 KBWHC_PLN_TAR ROC VCM_Traffic Management Plan
1.79 MBWHC_PLN_VCM_Biodiversity Management Plan
3.46 MBWHC_PLN_VCM_Noise Management Plan
2.87 MBWHC_PLN_VCM_Pollution Incident Response Management Plan
110.07 KBWHC_PLN_VCM_Rehabilitation Strategy
7.5 MBWHC_PLN_VCM_Waste Management Plan
1.88 MB