HVO North Open Cut Coal Continuation Project

I am lodging an objection to the proposed Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) North Open Cut Coal Continuation Project (the Project). As the largest new coal mining project ever considered in New South Wales, its approval would sanction a colossal release of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at a time of escalating climate crisis. The Project represents a profound and unacceptable threat to the environmental, social, and economic well-being of the Hunter Valley, the state of NSW, and the global community. Its approval would be inconsistent with established legal precedent, contrary to binding state and federal climate policy, in defiance of Australia's international legal obligations, and would constitute a gross failure of the state's fundamental duty of care to its citizens and the environment.
I object on the following grounds:
- Legal Deficiency
- Policy Incompatibility
- Understated Methane Impact
- Breach of International Law
- Flawed Justifications

Please see the attached file for detailed commentary and discussion

i support the project HVO is supporting local jobs for local people of the hunter

Climate change costs not properly considered, legal precedent ignored
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* The recent decision by the NSW Court of Appeal on the Mt Pleasant coal mine expansion found that the full contribution of downstream emissions (Scope 3) to climate change from a coal mine must be assessed, even if the fuel is burnt overseas.

* They found that the full environmental, social and economic impacts of climate change on a locality must be considered in making a decision on a project. This should include costs like rising insurance premiums and increasing costs of repairing roads and infrastructure after extreme weather.

* But the Hunter Valley Operations revised assessment specifically EXCLUDES consideration of downstream emissions in its economic assessment, and as a result it drastically underestimates the negative economic impacts of the project.

* The revised assessment should be withdrawn and the full assessment required by the Court of Appeal must be undertaken for the project - and it should then be placed back on public exhibition.

Scale of project, greenhouse gas emissions and climate targets
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* This is the biggest coal mine project ever considered in NSW. In total it proposed to mine 429 million tonnes of coal and extend the operation of this huge mining complex to 2045.

* Overall, this coal mine expansion would add 803 million tonnes of lifecycle greenhouse gas pollution to the atmosphere between now and 2045. That equates to 7 times the total annual emissions from all sources in New South Wales.

* Even the direct emissions from the project, caused by releasing methane from the coal seam and from diesel used in operating the mine, will make a huge contribution to NSW emissions and make it even more difficult for NSW to meet climate targets.

* The NSW Large Emitters Guide states that coal mines should be on the same emissions reduction trajectory as NSW - to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 and 70% by 2035.

* But this expansion does the direct opposite - it will result in massive increases in direct emissions by expanding the project. The expansion will actually double methane emissions compared to the existing mine (as at FY24) and then they will remain at elevated levels until 2042.

Impacts to land and water
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* The proposed mine expansion will have devastating impacts on land and water in the Hunter Valley.

* The HVO mine complex straddles the Hunter River and the expansion intends to mine directly into strategic agricultural land and the River’s alluvial aquifer.

* Mining for the Continuation Project will worsen groundwater drawdown already affecting the Hunter River’s alluvial aquifer by half a metre.

* Cumulative drawdown of Wollombi Brook alluvium will be up to 2 metres and this impact will extend long after mining ceases.

* Recent monitoring has identified that groundwater in the alluvium and other affected areas is exceeding water quality triggers in the HVO area. A large tailings storage dam adjacent to the river was found six years ago to be seeping into groundwater.

* Instead of expanding the mine, Glencore and Yancoal should be cleaning up the huge HVO site and investing in long-term environmental remediation of it.

This project provides a job and income to support me and my family. they look after and support the region and community

I support the HVO continuation project as it provides 1515 jobs to the local community.
Has 802 suppliers creating work and employment for the wider community. With a $1.720b distribution into the economy.
HVO has an annual spend of $1.05b and supports charities that help people in the community and not for profit organisations. With $276m taxes and royalties paid annually and the other inputs into the community, HVO as I see is a great contributor to our nation as a whole.

I support this project due to the huge economical benefit that the NSW government receives in royalties which goes to local infostructure improvements. I also support due to the long term job security that this continuation will provide for me and my family. I believe that HVO are making all the required steps to look after the environment.

Attached Hitachi Construction Machinery Letter of Support

I work at HVO and I need it the job to live a sustainable future

Submission in Support of the HVO North Open Cut Coal Continuation Project
I write as a community member in support of the HVO North Open Cut Coal Continuation Project. I recognise the importance of thorough environmental assessment and strong regulatory oversight in projects of this scale, and I believe this continuation, subject to strict compliance with existing conditions and proposed mitigation measures, provides a balanced outcome that supports both environmental protection and the long-term prosperity of the Hunter region.
The continuation of HVO North is critical to supporting direct and indirect employment in the Hunter Valley. Thousands of families depend on mining wages, and local businesses—from contractors to hospitality—benefit from the stability these projects provide. The project ensures continuity of work for skilled employees and provides training opportunities for younger generations.
The continuation proposal recognises the importance of community health. Through continued investment in dust, noise, and blasting controls, the project minimises amenity impacts for neighbouring communities.
The HVO North Open Cut Coal Continuation Project strikes a responsible balance between environmental management and socio-economic benefit. It leverages existing mining areas rather than opening new ground, provides significant employment and community benefits, and operates under a high level of regulatory scrutiny. I support approval of the project.

Many regional towns around the HVO Continuation project like Singleton rely on it to stay afloat and alive. Businesses, individuals, families, friends, history, communal and social connection, sports and activities, trades, the economy and all our future.
HVO is the reason why there is traffic in Singleton and the reason why many people in Singleton have jobs and money to spend back on the community. It is the core reason why there exists a community and regional economy here.
If it is not extended, many people will lose their jobs, lose their purpose and hope, suffer financially and emotionally, families will collapse, businesses will fail, crime will increase, those with money will flee and those that can't will only suffer more.
There has been no plans for future investment to place the HVO project and I cannot think of another way that can reskill, retrain and sustain the existing businesses and community in Singleton if the HVO project is not extended. No amount of renewable energy investment in the town will keep businesses alive and provide the same amount of jobs and return to the community as the HVO. Renewable energy does not need the amount of labor force that the HVO does and will not provide the amount of financial return to Australia or the regional economies that the HVO provides. Especially considering that Australia's economic outlook does not look promising and many people in the general community are struggling to pay for necessities and finding a place to live.
If the HVO is project is not extended, especially without a viable plan to replace the existing regional town's (like Singleton) reliance on the HVO, like jobs, economy, etc, it is essentially a death sentence for the surrounding towns, its people and community.

We need the HVO project to be extended and in the future, a substantial investment that can help the regional economies thrive without the need of coal mining, if that is the direction Australia is headed towards.

I fully support the HVO North Open Cut Coal Continuation Project.
This is a vital piece of economic infrastructure for The Hunter Valley, NSW and Australia.
Without the approval of HVO North Open Cut Coal Continuation Project the loss of employment will cause a dramatic decline in Hunter Valley's Economy as well as a significant decrease in State and Federal revenue.
I firmly believe that the approval of the Project would assist in this areas transition to clean energy provided the area gets the correct support from State and Federal Government.
This may sound counterintuitive and requires further explanation. If this area can retain its skills base of Professionals', Technicians and Equipment Operators, as well as continue to train new people we will have the most important asset for transition to clean energy, people if we can couple this to the correct type and amount of Government support, we not only have a smooth transition to clean energy but the opportunity to be innovators and world leaders in some aspects of this field.
This is not a new problem; Western Europe has already faced this issue with Germany having the least disruptive and smoothest transition from coal production to clean energy.
It is really up to the State and Federal Government to supply that support. Quite frankly I believe this area deserves this support due to the amount of Tax and Royalities it has generated. The choice is theirs' we can either experience a smooth transition to clean energy with all the benefits I have outline above or an economic shock which will devastate this region.

I'm in support of the project because it will ensure the financial security of its employees. I also support the contributions made to the community and the local economy.

I support the continuation of HVO North, I think its good for the local community and employee's.

Hunter Valley Operations has not completed the revised assessment for the mine. It has ignored the recent Court of Appeal decision on the Mt Pleasant coal mine.

The judgement of the Court of Appeals said it is mandatory for developments like this to provide a full, up-to-date assessment of climate impacts and engage in meaningful consultation with affected communities on those impacts.

Hunter Valley Operations has not done this. Its proposed development would increase emissions and make it impossible for the NSW Government to meet its emissions reduction targets.
HVO should not be given the go ahead for its proposed development.

I support this project, the jobs lost if the extension doesn't go ahead will have a direct impact on the town i live in and many industries within the town

I support the project and the community I live in and the jobs it provides

I am in full support for the continued operation of mining and related industries in the Hunter Valley specifically Hunter Valley Operations. These operations play a vital role in the economic strength of the region, providing thousands of jobs, supporting local communities, and contributing significantly to both the state and national economies.

The Hunter Valley has long been a hub for responsible resource development, and I believe that with continued commitment to environmental management and technological innovation, these industries can coexist with the region’s agricultural, tourism, and residential sectors.

It is essential that we recognize the importance of a balanced approach—one that respects the livelihoods of workers, ensures energy security, and supports regional development while continuing to improve environmental performance.

I stand with the workers, families, and communities who rely on these operations and advocate for their long-term stability and sustainability.

I support the HVO continuation, as it provides families a source of income and businesses the opportunity to grow.

I believe this continuation is in the best interest of the local community.

The entire Hunter region needs HVO to get approval for the continuation project. The amount of money HVO provide to the local community is huge amd funds so many schools, sporting groups and community projects. Hvo needs to continue operating to provide employment for the 1500 plus employees and all the contractors to keep food on the table. If HVO was to cease operating it would have a devastating effect on the entire Hunter region.