IPC Hearings Consider Future of Major Hunter Coal Mine
The NSW Independent Planning Commission (IPC) has commenced public hearings into the Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) Continuation Project, which would extend the life of the Yancoal-Glencore joint venture's coal mine near Singleton until 2045. The project is seeking both State and Federal environmental approvals to continue mining beyond current consent expiry dates.
Extension Details
- HVO North: Extended from end of 2026 to end of 2045 (19-year extension)
- HVO South: Extended from 2030 to end of 2042
- Total coal extraction: Approximately 429 million tonnes of run-of-mine coal across the complex
- Annual production: Up to 26 Mtpa across the complex (reduced from original 42 Mtpa proposal)
- GHG reduction: 43% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to original project through avoidance of high-gas coal domains
Economic Significance
HVO employs more than 1,500 people directly, engages more than 800 suppliers, and injects more than $1 billion per year into the Upper Hunter economy. Over the past four years, HVO has contributed $6.9 billion to the NSW economy, including $3.8 billion spent on goods and services from 750 suppliers. The project is expected to generate a net benefit to NSW of approximately $5.7 billion in net present value terms.
Regulatory Process
The NSW Department of Planning completed its assessment and referred the project to the IPC for determination. The IPC conducted three days of public hearings in Branxton, hearing from supporters and opponents. Federal approval under the EPBC Act is also required due to proposed impacts on water resources and biodiversity. The IPC is expected to hand down its determination in September 2026. The hearing highlighted tensions between economic benefits and climate change concerns, with the project projected to generate 809 million tonnes of CO2 emissions over its lifetime.
