Glencore Australia’s Ulan coal mine will continue operating until 2035, following federal government approval to expand the project and extend the site’s lifespan by two more years.
The federal nod comes after the New South Wales Government’s endorsement of the project, which was granted in May this year.
With both approvals in hand, the mine can now increase its underground longwall mining operations – the expansion will allow the project to add 18.8 million tonnes (Mt) of coal to its total extraction.
Glencore can also build associated infrastructure at the Ulan Coal Complex to access those additional coal resources.
Speaking to the ABC in May, a Glencore Australia spokesperson welcomed the NSW Government’s decision to give the project the green light.
“The modification will provide ongoing employment opportunities for people at Ulan Coal Complex,” the spokesperson said.
The company must satisfy the conditions imposed on the project by both the federal and state governments to alleviate concerns or impact on local biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions, Aboriginal heritage and water usage.
To avoid and minimise impacts on environmentally protected areas, the federal approval places strict limits on land clearing.
Under the conditions set by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Glencore must ensure that no more than 5.9 hectares of White Box–Yellow Box–Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland – listed as a critically endangered ecological community – are cleared, along with no more than 17.4 hectares of foraging habitat for the Large-eared Pied Bat.
The mine’s existing Environmental Management System serves as a key framework for the project, supporting effective oversight of operational impacts. Ulan also uses a real-time environmental monitoring network, along with protocols that prompt operational adjustments when certain conditions are met.
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