Mod 3 - Joint Tailings and Reject Management

i support this MOD 3 Maxwell Joint Tailings & Reject project
it will improve environment outcomes and be beneficial long term in the operation going forward. responsibly.
Will reduce the size of final voids, helping closure outcomes.
avoiding the need for further lift of the already approved TSF at MAC, this would accelerate and improve closure outcomes as well.
will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the use of diesel during TSF embankment construction.
Tailings & coarse rejects at Maxwell East void would be below ground level reducing seepage. A win /win for the mine & the environment.

Submission in Support of Maxwell Underground Mine MOD3 – Joint Tailings & Reject Management Project
From: Peter Barry – Resident and rural landowner of Denman area.
Date: 10th of July 2025
To: NSW Department of Planning and Environment
Subject: Submission Supporting Maxwell Underground MOD3 –
________________________________________
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to provide my strong support for Modification 3 (MOD3) to the Maxwell Underground Mine, which introduces a Joint Tailings and Reject Management Project (JTRMP) between Maxwell Ventures (Malabar Resources) and Mt Arthur Coal (MAC). This proposal represents a forward-thinking, cooperative solution that not only addresses tailings management more effectively but also brings tangible environmental, social, and economic benefits to the Upper Hunter region.
One of the most significant strengths of this modification lies in its environmental approach. MOD3 proposes the use of existing mine voids—specifically Maxwell East and North—for the storage of tailings. This strategy avoids the expansion of surface tailings storage facilities, reducing above-ground impacts and making smart use of previously disturbed land. By limiting additional surface disturbance, the project helps mitigate long-term visual scarring on the landscape and preserves natural areas, including valuable bushland and agricultural land.
Additionally, MOD3 will result in a direct reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, thanks to the removal of the need for embankment expansion at MAC and the minimization of diesel-powered machinery during construction. Just as importantly, the proposal enables earlier commencement of backfilling and rehabilitation activities at both sites. This fast-tracked rehabilitation is not just beneficial for the environment but also significantly improves the prospects of returning disturbed land to a more natural and productive state sooner.
Equally vital is the strategic placement of tailings below ground level. This not only limits surface seepage and erosion risks but also reduces visual impact, facilitates better water management, and contributes to the long-term stability of the region’s environmental assets. The infrastructure required for the project is to be built entirely on already disturbed ground, avoiding any new land clearance.
From a technological and future-readiness standpoint, the proposal aligns with emerging trends in land rehabilitation. As the industry moves towards more advanced methods—such as bioremediation, remote monitoring systems, and passive water treatment—the underground placement of tailings as proposed in MOD3 allows for more targeted, efficient application of these technologies. By consolidating tailings into more controlled and secure environments, future innovations in remediation can be more easily deployed, enhancing long-term outcomes.
The social and economic benefits of MOD3 are just as compelling. The proposal plays a role in supporting the region’s evolving economy by maintaining existing employment opportunities at Maxwell and indirectly sustaining operations at MAC. The construction phase of the project, including the development of the pipeline and associated works, will generate contracts for local suppliers, tradespeople, and service providers—giving a much-needed boost to the local economy.
Importantly, this proposal also reflects the expectations of the local community. For many years, residents have called for smarter, more responsible approaches to mine closure and rehabilitation. The collaboration between Malabar and BHP shows a commitment to shared responsibility and innovation. By reducing the number and size of final voids and enabling their earlier rehabilitation, MOD3 delivers improved closure outcomes and demonstrates leadership in mine planning and environmental stewardship.
Understandably, community members are often concerned about the potential for tailings to seep into nearby rivers or groundwater systems. However, the approach outlined in MOD3 adopts industry best practices and incorporates multiple layers of protection. Tailings will be stored in existing voids, entirely contained below ground level, eliminating the risk of runoff into waterways. The geology of the region further supports this approach—the voids are surrounded by low-permeability rock that has successfully held coal and groundwater under pressure for millions of years, acting as a natural seal.
Furthermore, there is no direct pathway between these voids and the Hunter River or other sensitive water systems. The project area has already been disturbed, and the separation from surface water flows ensures that contamination risks remain extremely low. Comprehensive, real-time groundwater monitoring will provide early detection of any issues, with contingency measures ready to be implemented if required. This strategy has already been successfully applied in other responsible mining operations and offers a well-proven solution.
In essence, this modification isn’t just a matter of operational change—it’s a reflection of how modern mining must evolve. MOD3 represents a smarter, more sustainable way of managing resources and responsibilities, while balancing the needs of the community, the economy, and the environment. It offers long-term flexibility for future technologies, supports meaningful rehabilitation, and showcases how collaboration between operators can lead to superior outcomes.
I firmly believe that the proposed Joint Tailings and Reject Management Project will deliver real and measurable improvements for the Upper Hunter region. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the NSW Department of Planning and Environment to approve MOD3 and support a project that exemplifies environmental leadership and community-minded innovation.

Kind regards,

Peter Barry

I support Maxwell's tailings project.

Please see attached document.

I Craig Bates am in support of this project by allowing this to go ahead will allow the rehabilitation of the old Drayton Coal site to be handed back with some of the left-over voids filled in much better than if they are not filled in.
thankyou
Craig Bates

Our Club would like to support this project without out mining a lot of clubs would be struggling in and around this area
So supporting this this would be helping two mining company's that both support this community

The proposed modification to Malabar Maxwell UG Mine are consistant with good corporate goverance. The modification will permit the efficient management of mine tailings by utilizing Maxwell Mines West Cut Void, this use provides enviro benefits, little infrastructure disturbance and ensures a use for land form of a void, as an ongoing operation instead of remaining a void for the duration of mining.

I SUPPORT THIS PROJECT FOR MALABAR TO CONTINUE TO GROW AND SUCCEED. very valuable resource to our community. Malabar follow all environment guidelines, and this is a step in the right direction to make this possible. Highly reccomend this. thankyou.

This submission makes sense economically and environmentally. Firstly it will stop the need for MAC to increase the size of their existing tailings dam and secondly it will make sensible use of the existing voids at Maxwell (left behind from Drayton open cut) by providing a storage area for tailings as well as providing material to backfill the voids. it also makes sense to allow neighboring mines to be able to share infrastructure for the greater good.

Better outcome for Environment, community and coal miners

This project will help towards final landform rehabilitation of the old Drayton voids into usable land.