HVO South Open Cut Coal Continuation Project

To Whom It May Concern,

On behalf of Protech Group and myself, Kurt Gidley, National Manager Mining – Partnerships & Growth, I am writing to express our strong support for the HVO South Open Cut Coal Continuation Project.

As a long-standing partner in the mining and resources sector, Protech Group recognises the critical role that Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) plays in sustaining regional employment, supporting local businesses, and contributing to the broader NSW economy. The continuation of HVO South until 2045 is not a proposal for a new mine, but a responsible extension of an existing operation that has been a cornerstone of the Hunter Valley for over 70 years.

The project is expected to maintain approximately 1,500 ongoing jobs and ensuring stability for families and communities across the Upper Hunter. HVO’s commitment to local procurement—working with over 800 suppliers—further amplifies its positive economic footprint.

Beyond employment, HVO has demonstrated a deep commitment to community development. Through its community grants, sponsorships, and charity partnerships, HVO has supported over 82 local projects since 2018, including mental health initiatives, youth leadership programs, and infrastructure upgrades. These efforts reflect a genuine investment in the social fabric of the region.

From an environmental perspective, the continuation project has been carefully designed to reduce the maximum extraction rate and minimise new land disturbance, with a focus on mining deeper seams within existing tenements. Infrastructure upgrades, including improved water management systems and safer road access via the realigned Lemington Road and new Hunter River bridge, further demonstrate HVO’s commitment to responsible operations.

While we acknowledge the concerns raised regarding greenhouse gas emissions and broader climate impacts, it is important to recognise that HVO has responded proactively to government feedback, refining its mine plan to reduce emissions and avoid sensitive ecological areas. The continuation of this project supports a balanced transition, ensuring energy security while advancing environmental stewardship.

In closing, Protech Group stands firmly behind the HVO South Continuation Project. We believe it represents a sustainable path forward—one that safeguards jobs, strengthens communities, and upholds responsible mining practices.

Thank you for considering our support.

Warm regards,
Kurt Gidley
National Manager Mining – Partnerships & Growth
Protech Group

I am writing in support of keeping the mine open. The operation provides vital employment for local families, helping to sustain our community and reduce unemployment. Beyond wages, the mine supports small businesses, contractors, and service providers who depend on its continued operation.

The mine’s contributions extend further, with royalties and taxes funding schools, hospitals, and infrastructure across the state. It also invests in training and apprenticeships, building skills that benefit the region well into the future.

Importantly, the mine operates under strict safety and environmental regulations, with clear commitments to rehabilitation and responsible resource management. Modern practices ensure the balance between economic growth and environmental care is maintained.

Closing the mine would not only place hundreds of jobs at risk but also weaken the broader community. By keeping it open, we protect livelihoods, strengthen our region, and secure a more stable future.

I am writing in support of keeping the mine open. The operation provides vital employment for local families, helping to sustain our community and reduce unemployment. Beyond wages, the mine supports small businesses, contractors, and service providers who depend on its continued operation.

The mine’s contributions extend further, with royalties and taxes funding schools, hospitals, and infrastructure across the state. It also invests in training and apprenticeships, building skills that benefit the region well into the future.

Importantly, the mine operates under strict safety and environmental regulations, with clear commitments to rehabilitation and responsible resource management. Modern practices ensure the balance between economic growth and environmental care is maintained.

Closing the mine would not only place hundreds of jobs at risk but also weaken the broader community. By keeping it open, we protect livelihoods, strengthen our region, and secure a more stable future.

Huge employer of so many people in the hunter direct and indirect, they support so much of our local industry and infrastructure. It would be a huge waste to not continue development of this project.

I give my full approval for the proposed extension of HVO North Mine to 2045 and HVO South Mine to 2042, as this directly impacts me and provides ongoing support. The continuation of operations is vital to my livelihood and community, and I fully endorse moving forward with this plan.

This project is needed to continue supporting the local community both with wages for employees and local suppliers. They are a great company that supports many community groups and events. They donate to multiple worthwhile causes. They encourage there workforce to support local businesses. They are a good corporate company in the local community. Coal will be supplied by other countries if HVO is shut down and the local communities will suffer and green house emissions will still occur. The coal at HVO is of high quality so is better than other options. I fully support this project.

Benefits for local communities and businesses are why the project should be approved.

We support Hunter Valley Operations continuation of mining.

I strongly support the continuation of HVO and the extension of its contract. The project provides a safe and reliable work environment for employees while also contributing significantly to the local economy. HVO plays an important role in supporting local businesses, investing in community initiatives, and creating long-term opportunities for families in the region.
By extending this project, we can ensure stability for workers, maintain economic growth in the Hunter Valley, and continue to see positive investment into our communities. It brings jobs to the hunter supports the family’s of the hunter. Coal is a massive part of Australia and its economy. We would be lost without it. HVO has provided me and my family with lots of support. KEEP HVO GOING!!

I support this project, the mine, the people, businesses that would be put at risk if this extension was not approved.

The mine employs over 1500 people and supports local businesses, the community in which the live. I support the project.

I live in singleton and work in the mining industry that supports me and I support this development

Due to the large amount of people employed

I am almost 70 years old and enjoyed almost 45 years in and around the mining industry and thus earned a wage from that industry .
Mining employs a lot of people directly and indirectly and this HVO South project should be allowed to continue until the lease is mined out.
This is not a new lease as if I remember correctly it was originally granted to Buchanan Borehole Collieries. It was mined successfully in both underground and open cut and I believe surface mining operations should be allowed to continue provided that the current lease owner (Yancoal) complies with all statutory and regulatory requirements.
This mine is good for the economy and good for employment for the direct and indirect employees of this mine

To whom it may concern,
I have been employed at HVO for 16 years, I give my support to the continuation of Hunter Valley Operations. With out the continuation of both the North and South Projects the local area will cease to exist and there will be no employment opportunities for our current working men/women and youth. Without coal mining in the hunter valley there isn't many employment opportunities that don't ride off the back of it. HVO is a large employer in the area that supports both local and regional business's.
It is in the state of New South Wales best interest for the mine to continue operating.

The HVO sites provide important employment opportunities and resources for the economy of Newcastle/surrounds and Australian economy as a whole.

I support the HVO South Extension as it helps sustain local jobs and support local communities. My partner works at HVO, so I see firsthand how important it is for families.

Please see our comments in the attached submission.

See attached file.

Climate change costs not properly considered, legal precedent ignored
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
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
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.