BHP and neighbour Malabar Resources have made a deal to transfer around 3700 hectares of land from the Mt Arthur Coal operation, an agreement being described as a “win-win outcome” for the region.
The deal forms one part of BHP’s broader strategy for the Mt Arthur mine, which is set to cease operations and begin responsible closure in 2030.
A key benefit for BHP is the ability to use an “existing mine void” at Malabar’s Maxwell underground site for tailings storage, a solution the company says will deliver “better safety and environmental outcomes”.
For Malabar, the transfer provides the option to seek “further value” from its existing underground operation.
BHP New South Wales energy coal vice president Liz Watts said the company is actively working with stakeholders on the site’s future.
“BHP continues to work closely with community, employees, government and landholders on alternate land use opportunities in the closure of the Mt Arthur coal mine,” Watts said.
“Our commitment is clear: we want to focus on environmental, economic and social outcomes in mine closure to help set the region up for long-term success, and deliver a positive legacy from BHP mining in the Hunter Valley.”
Beyond the deal with Malabar, BHP said several other land use opportunities for the Mt Arthur site are being assessed. These include the potential of a pumped hydro energy storage system, as well as options for recreation, biodiversity corridors and the “adaptive reuse” of current infrastructure such as workshops and admin buildings.
