Mod 8 - Extension of time

an extension of time is needed for coal mining

I request and support an extension of time for coal mining operations

I object to this project for the following reasons.
This project application is not sufficiently comprehensive in properly assessing the impacts and relies in part on impact studies conducted seven years ago. (mod 5).
Greenhouse gas and Climate Change
I do not believe the proponent has properly assessed this project against the recent EPA guidelines for Large Emitters.
The Department should require an assessment of the economic impacts of increased emissions from the HVO North and South mining operations on other sectors of the NSW economy, given the Net Zero Commission’s recent finding that any emissions increases associated with extended or expanded coal projects would require other sectors to make greater emissions
reductions if the state is to meet its emissions reduction targets.
These emission reductions targets are legislated. We need to work very hard to achieve them. Business as usual is not good enough.

I support an extension of time for mining operations at Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) for an additional 18 months through to 31 December 2026.
The HVO is an integral part of the Hunter Valley, NSW and Australian economy. Suppling direct and indirect employment in the local area and taxes and royalties to NSW and Australian Governments.
The extension of time will allow mining operations to continue at HVO until a decision is made by State and Federal Governments on the continuation of mining past 2026. This will mean Operations will not have to be scaled back as an interim measure causing unnecessary disruption and unemployment.

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This continuation of the mine will provide my friends, family and their children with business, work and career opportunities that will in turn support the local business and industries for generations.

I support this project as I believe it has ongoing benefits to the community by providing and maintaining jobs (direct and indirect) and provide royalties that can be used to build and support community infrastructure.

See attached submission.

The HTBA objects to this modification proposal as per the attached submission

I strongly object to this project for the following reasons:
The project is a bridge to enable the further assessment of the HVO Continuation Project, which has been found to be seriously inconsistent with government climate targets. Any application for an extension of time for either HVO mines should be to facilitate their closure and rehabilitation.
Both this application and the HVO Continuation should be rejected because of the legislated goal of the NSW government to avoid global average warming beyond 1.5 degrees. Climate science is clear that stopping all new fossil fuel projects is the first step all governments must take to avoid catastrophic climate change.
I note that while the HVO Continuation project’s withdrawal from the planning system has been widely reported the consultant’s report on the greenhouse gas emissions from this extension claims that the Project is currently progressing through the assessement process. If this is as far from the truth and as misleading as other reports suggest it should alert the Department to the potential for basic errors in the assessment of emissions. (Page one, Airen Consulting).

Glencore’s estimate is that the extension would create 410,000 tonnes of direct (Scope 1) emissions at the HVO North site, and 1.15Mt at HVO South, for a total of 1.56Mt over just eighteen months. Downstream emissions from the coal mined at both sites would be 56Mt over eighteen months. This is the same amount of carbon as is expected to be absorbed in one year by the whole land sector in Australia in 2025.
The Department of Planning must obtain advice from the EPA and assess this modification against the NSW EPA Guide for Large Emitters, with reference to the recent findings of the Net Zero Commission regarding emissions from coal mining expansion projects. The assessment provided to the Department is currently not consistent with the EPA’s Guide for Large Emitters.
The Department should require an assessment of the economic impacts of increased emissions from the HVO North and South mining operations on other sectors of the NSW economy, given the Net Zero Commission’s recent finding that “Any emissions increases associated with extended or expanded coal projects would require other sectors to make greater emissions reductions if the state is to meet its emissions reduction targets”.
Please recommend against this extension project in line with the climate goals of the NSW government and EPA guidelines to large emitters.

Please see attached letter

I support the extension of time to HVO North development - Mod 8. This allows HVO enough time to compile information requested for the further extensions and seems like a balanced approach. HVO is a major employer in this region and contributes greatly to the NSW economy.

I would like to pledge my support for the HVO Project Mod. 8. I have worked in the mining industry for 31 years throughout the Hunter Valley at multiple sites. Over that time, I have had the opportunity to experience all levels and divisions of the mining business.
I am Electrical based and over the last 10 years I have been fortunate to experience the planning and execution of this type of project. The areas that have impressed me the most on this type of project is the attention to detail and compliance around Environmental consent. It is refreshing to know that the systems and resources are in place to ensure the project is executed as per the Modification Report commitments and the operation is manned to comply to community expectation moving forward.

I support this project as it is a pillar for prosperity in the Hunter Valley region. If Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) ceases operation, there is so much more lost than just the 1500 jobs that it directly supports. The greater industry in this region is reliant on mining, with HVO one of the largest operations in the Hunter Valley. If HVO ceases operation, what will everyone do? There will be no Electrical or Mechanical support businesses, construction works, or jobs for workers down to industrial cleaning. It won't just be 1500 people out of work trying to find jobs, noting here as the main point - the jobs won't be there as there isn't industry to support! The Hunter Valley will become a ghost town.
Practices at HVO are sustainable, with consideration to the environmental impact documented in a plan for continued operations. HVO is committed to meeting its own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. For this reason, I can't see why we wouldn't support continued operations into the future.

Scone Equine Hospital Objection Submission attached.

I support this project

My understating from the facts and figures available it the public domain is that the project will ensure continuing employment for more than 5000 families in the region, and this will be a key source of income for many for their day today life, and it will provide a reasonable sum in tax and royalties to the government.

project will support local jobs

I Support ongoing employment to the extensive HVO workforce, Contractors and suppliers.

I support the Modification to the HVO North Consent as it consists of the continuation of a well established mining operation that will provide ongoing employment opportunities to the existing workforce.

Our comments are attached