HVO South Open Cut Coal Continuation Project

I am writing to express my opposition to Glencore and Yancoal’s Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) revised coal expansion plan. The revised plan is only slightly different from the original plan that HVO submitted. It will still be a massive expansion and the greenhouse gas emissions especially methane, which is many times more dangerous than CO2, produced by the extraction process will be enormous, making it more difficult for Australia to reach its 2030 and 2035 emissions reduction targets.

HVO has failed to implement the NSW Court of Appeal decision on the Mt Pleasant coal mine in its revised plan. This decision found that the full contribution of Scope 3 emissions to climate change from a coal mine must be assessed when a new or expanded mine is proposed. It also 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.

However the HVO revised plan specifically excludes consideration of Scope 3 emissions in its economic assessment, and as a result it drastically underestimates the negative impacts of the project.

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.

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.

I have a 22-month-old granddaughter and I’m terrified about what the world will be like for her in 2100 if we don’t start reducing our emissions today. But HVO’s revised plan will lead not to a reduction but to a substantial increase in emissions.

I strongly urge that HVO’s revised plan be withdrawn. If HVO wishes to submit a further plan, the full assessment required by the NSW Court of Appeal decision must be undertaken for the project. It should then be placed back on public exhibition.

The continuation of this mine is beneficial for my families support.
If this falls over we will need to move to another region.

HVO supports its local community an provides hundreds of jobs to locals and others

This will provide a significant economic boost for the region

Responsible mining will support local jobs and the community

It is a big support for local economies

I make a living of this project now would like to keep going

I currently work at HVO.
HVO not only helps support my family but the families of many other people.

I am supporting HVO’s Continuation Project because during years HVO has demonstrated that it is a mining project which has been supporting local communities, schools, businesses, and families. This is not a new mining project, it is an extension of the current one, carried out in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. It is mining project which employ +1,500 people at the site. I have been working at HVO for last 3 years, and I would like to continue working in this mining project.

Please accept this as my objection to Glencore and the HVO Continuation Project. I really think that we as a nation need to lead the world by example. The planet cannot cope with even more coal or gas.

A 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. 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, which we are experience more frequently in recent years. 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. As such, 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 put on public exhibition again.

This is a huge project and the biggest ever coal mine considered in New South Wales. 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. Considering just 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 which is to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 and 70% by 2035.However this expansion does the opposite and will result in huge increases in direct emissions. The expansion will double methane emissions compared to the existing mine (as at FY24) and then remain at elevated levels until 2042. 

This proposed 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. This poses great risks to groundwater levels which is already affecting the Hunter River’s alluvial aquifer by half a metre. However it is not only the Hunter River but also Wollombi Brook alluvium will be up to 2 metres lower and this effect will remain long after mining ceases. We must also take into consideration water quality for residents in the Hunter region and farmers. Glencore and Yancoal should be cleaning up the huge HVO site and investing in long-term environmental remediation.

I ask for the decision to be made in the public interest rather than for short term private corporate gain.

I am making this submission as an engineer directly involved with HVO, and a long term resident of the Hunter Valley.
My comments are informed by my professional experience in coal processing and my personal investment in the community's wellbeing.
I support the continuation of the HVO South and North mines, as it secures the immediate future of our workforce and the local economy. The responsible extension of the mines is not just about continuing coal production, it is about using the resources and time this extension provides, to future proof our community and businesses while a pathway to transition away from fossil fuels is developed.

The continuation of HVO South is essential to the economy and culture of the Hunter Valley region.
It supports the lifestyles of the employees and their families and provides revenue to the local and wider economy.
The updated submission addresses the greenhouse gas concerns that the previous submission presented.

Objection revolves around continued effects on climate change

I am writing this letter in strong support of the proposed extension for the Hunter Valley Coal Mines. As a long-time employee and a resident of this community, I have seen firsthand the positive impact this industry has on our region, and I believe the extension is vital for our collective future.

The Hunter Valley coal mines are more than just a workplace; they are a cornerstone of our community. The companies have consistently demonstrated a commitment to community involvement and investment. I have personally witnessed and benefited from their support for local schools, sporting clubs, and community events. These investments have created a vibrant and supportive environment for my family and countless others. The jobs provided by the mine allow us to give back to the community, whether through volunteering or supporting local businesses.

Speaking of local businesses, the extension of the mines is crucial for their survival. My friends and neighbours own and operate businesses that directly and indirectly rely on the mining industry – from cafes and hardware stores to engineering firms and transport companies. A stable and extended future for the mines means a stable future for these families and their livelihoods. The wages earned by mining employees are spent right here in the Hunter Valley, creating a strong local economy that benefits everyone.

I also want to address the commitment to environmental responsibility. I am proud to work for a company that takes its rehabilitation obligations seriously. We are not just extracting resources; we are also committed to restoring the land for future generations. I have seen the incredible effort and resources dedicated to high-quality rehabilitation of previously mined areas. Our work involves careful planning and execution to ensure that the land is returned to a productive and sustainable state. The proposed extension includes detailed plans for continued and improved rehabilitation, and I am confident in our ability to meet and exceed these standards.

In conclusion, the extension of the Hunter Valley Coal Mines is a request that has my full support. It represents an opportunity to secure jobs, support our local economy, and continue to build a strong, resilient community. The mine is committed to its people, the environment, and the community, and this extension will allow us to continue this important work.

Sincerely,
Paddy Ellis

I oppose this project on the grounds of its unacceptable impacts on the climate my grandchildren will have to endure. The emission reduction pledges made by signature countries of the Paris Agreement will result in 2.7 degrees of warming. These pledges are clearly inadequate. All countries must do better, including the customers of Australia's coal exports. It is absolutely in our interest (see the recently released National Climate Risk Assessment report), that our coal customers rapidly move to lower emissions options already available. Refusing this very large project will send a message that coal must end. While 2050 net zero is stated as the goal, the real goal involves carbon budgets, and the budget is rapidly shrinking. We cannot be still burning coal in the late 2040s, when non polluting alternatives are available, and expect anything but climate disaster. Our children will not forgive us

The continuation of this mine will keep a lot of people employed. It also brings a lot of families to the area which increases the amount of children for schools. The mine is also very involved in the community and supports this area with its grants. A lot of smaller sporting organisations wouldn’t be able to run without the support of HVO.

I support the extension.

Submission in Support of HVO South

I am writing to show my support for the continuation of coal mining at HVO South. For me, this isn’t just about a mine, it’s about people, families, and the wider Hunter Valley community.

HVO South provides work for around 1,500 people directly, and many more through contractors and associated businesses. These are real people — neighbours, friends, and family — who rely on the mine to support their households. If the mine was to shut down or not be approved, it would mean job losses on a massive scale, and the impact would be felt right across the region.

Flow-On to the Community

The mine doesn’t just support those who work on site. Local businesses — from mechanics, fuel suppliers, and transport companies through to cafes, shops, and sporting clubs — all benefit from the wages and spending that come from HVO South. Without the mine, many of these small businesses would struggle to survive, and the whole community would feel the loss.

HVO has always been more than just an employer. It supports community programs, charities, and local initiatives that make a real difference in the Hunter. These contributions add to the strength of our region and would disappear if the mine were not allowed to continue.

As someone who lives in the Hunter, I see firsthand how important HVO South is to keeping our community strong. Approving its continuation is not just about coal — it’s about protecting families, supporting small businesses, and keeping opportunities alive for the next generation.

For all of these reasons, I strongly support the continuation of coal mining at HVO South. It’s vital for our community, our local economy, and the livelihoods of thousands of people.

I support the continuation of the project as it supports workers in the Hunter

I support the HVO South Open Cut Continuation Project because the benefits this extension will provide to local communities as well as the state as a whole. Apart from the financial benefits in the form of royalties to the state, employment, both direct and indirect to the area is enormous. We shouldn't just view the mine as a mine, but a provider for men and woman to raise their children and have active lives in the community. If we continue to restrict mining and other projects we'll remove any hope of our children to be educated and employed locally and towns will die. I strongly support the HVO South Open Cut Continuation Project.