Mod 8 - Ulan West Continued Operations.

I object to the project in the strongest possible terms. Mod 6 has been overturned, so it follows that Mod 8 is no longer valid. In detail:
- the overturned Mod 6 project extended the mine's life to 2035.
- Mod 8's time line begins at 2035, extending to 2041. Therefore, Mod 8 has no basis to proceed.
- Mod 8’s proposed infrastructure is also directly attached to Mod 6’s underground long-wall panels. Without Mod 6, that infrastructure cannot exist — meaning Mod 8 is fundamentally unworkable.

Thank you for your attention to my submission.
Regards,
Cynthia Alexander

I strongly reject this project due to serious community concerns and carbon emission concerns that will make climate change worse. The damage to environmental values is also significant with impacts to the Murray-Darling Basin and species survival-both flora and fauna that are already seriously threatened.
See my attached document for more information.

I object to the proposed 43 million tonne coal mine development on the following grounds:

1. Mining of the Modification 8 area is intended to be a further extension of the open cut mine that would be created by mining of the Ulan Modification 6 area, but this Modification application has recently been rejected by the Court of Appeal. The proposal is dependent on Modification 6 proceeding. It should not be considered at this time.

2. The proposal would result in greenhouse gasses being emitted both locally and where ever the coal is burnt which will have global impacts on climate, including impacts in the regions surrounding the mine. These will be cumulative impacts on top of those caused by the original approved Ulan mine and the impacts of all the greenhouse gas emissions from mining and burning of coal or other fossil fuels in recent decades and in the next 10-15 years. The impacts of climate change already being experienced locally and in other regions are unacceptable - such as increased health issues and deaths from more frequent and extreme heatwaves, more extreme droughts and floods. The financial, social and environmental impacts will get worse due to fossil fuel mining already approved. No more coal mines should be permitted, not even "modifications". the estimated 105 Mt of extra emissions is unacceptable.

3. This is a substantial new development outside the area originally approved for mining which should not be considered as a modification of an existing approval: it should be subject to all the assessment requirements of a new development. A skyscraper Repeated sideways expansions of a skyscraper well beyond what was originally designed should not be accepted as "modifications" to the original approved development: nor should ginormous expansions of a hole in the ground be accepted as "modifications".

4. The proposal will directly destroy 1743 ha of valuable habitats for common and threatened species. Common species should be left to stay common. threatened species should not be put at greater risk of extinction. Humans are already having unacceptable impacts: we need to learn how to live better with less destruction of non-renewable habitats, not more. Construction of a tailings dam within an areas that was being revegetated will exacerbated impacts of the previous mining and increase risks of toxic contamination.

5. The proposal will destroy Aboriginal cultural heritage including rock art and have adverse impacts on landscapes of spititual importance.

6. Ulan coal mine was originally in and below the Hunter catchment. Now it is going further into the Macquarie River catchment. by digging deep into part of the Macquarie headwaters it will reduce flow that are needed in the Macquarie, including by Macquarie Marshes. It will also increase releases of salt water into the Gulbern River.

7. It will have adverse impacts on local people - the 17 directly affected properties, the surrounding rural communities and all the people affected by ongoing competition for workforce.

Thank you for considering this objection.
Kate Boyd

I strongly reject this project due to serious community concerns and carbon emission concerns that will make climate change worse. The damage to environmental values is also significant with impacts to the Murray-Darling Basin and species survival-both flora and fauna that are seriously threatened.
See my attached document.
Thank you for the opportunity to make a submission on this project.

Lucia Smith

I strongly reject this project due to serious community concerns and carbon emission concerns that will make climate change worse. Environmental values will be severely and negatively impacted along with the Murray-Darling Basin that supports communities and nature. Species survival will be further threatened with some species heading closer to extinction like the Regent Honeyeater.
See my attached document.
Thank you
Janice Haviland

Coalroc (NSW) Pty Ltd fully support the Ulan West Continued Operations Modification. As an employer of approx 25 personnel that are directly employed on the site, as well as supporting approx 30 active suppliers and service companies in the local region we have an active interest in this project being approved. We have worked in the region for over 13 years and have been part of the positive benefits that Ulan West Operations provides as well as providing support for sporting and non-profit organisations in the region including Mudgee Dragons, Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Wingz for Kids. Ulan West Operations themselves support a greater chain of employees, contractors, suppliers and sporting and non-profit organisations. The approval of this project is necessary to continue the benefit for the greater Mudgee and surrounding regions.

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to express my support for the proposed Ulan West Continued Operations – Modification 8 (SUB-99882723).

Ulan West has operated successfully and responsibly for over a decade, and this modification represents a continuation of existing underground activities with no significant change to the environmental footprint. The benefits of approving Mod 8 are substantial and extend well beyond the immediate mine lease area.

1. Economic Benefits to the Local and Connected Regions

Ulan West is a major economic driver for the Central West and Hunter regions. The mine supports:
• Hundreds of direct local jobs
• Thousands of indirect jobs across suppliers, contractors, engineering firms, and transport
• Stable revenue streams for local businesses and service providers
• Flow-on economic activity throughout towns such as Mudgee, Gulgong, Dunedoo, Muswellbrook, and the wider region

The mine’s presence has underpinned long-term economic stability in these communities. Continued operations ensure that regional families, small businesses, and supporting industries can plan for the future with confidence.

2. Minimal Environmental Impact Due to Underground Operations

Ulan West is a modern, highly regulated underground operation with:
• Minimal dust, noise, and visual impacts
• A small surface disturbance footprint
• A strong compliance record over many years

Mod 8 does not increase, expand, or intensify the environmental impacts already assessed and approved. It simply extends the life of current underground mining within an established and well-managed framework.

3. Proven History of Responsible and Successful Operation

The mine has demonstrated:
• Consistent compliance with environmental, safety, and community obligations
• Well-managed subsidence outcomes
• Effective water management and monitoring
• Minimal community amenity impacts
• Robust engagement with stakeholders

The continuation of an already well-run operation presents low risk and high certainty for both regulators and local communities.

4. Support for Growth and Stability of Local Towns

Ulan West’s workforce contributes significantly to:
• Population stability in regional centres
• Demand for schools, childcare, health services, and local retail
• Housing investment and property market health
• Community organisations, sporting clubs, and volunteer services

These industries and services rely on the presence of a vibrant workforce supported by mining operations. Mod 8 helps maintain this stability.

5. Impacts of Closure on Communities

Premature closure would have serious negative consequences, including:
• Loss of employment for hundreds of families
• Significant economic contraction in surrounding towns
• Loss of business for local suppliers and contractors
• Pressure on schools, services, and community groups
• Reduced regional investment and confidence

Mod 8 avoids unnecessary and disruptive socio-economic impacts by enabling a sensible continuation of an existing operation and minimise cumalative impacts of other local mining operations closing in the near future

6. No Change to Impacts Compared With Current Operations

Importantly, Mod 8:
• Does not introduce new mining methods
• Does not expand surface infrastructure
• Does not increase environmental or amenity impacts
• Fits wholly within previously assessed and approved areas

It is essentially the continuation of what is already operating safely, sustainably, and successfully supporting the local region

Conclusion

Mod 8 represents a low-impact, high-benefit continuation of an existing underground mining operation that is vital to the economic and social wellbeing of the region. The proposal maintains environmental protections while safeguarding jobs, community stability, and regional development.

For these reasons, I fully support the approval of Ulan West Continued Operations – Modification 8 (SUB-99882723).

I support the proposed UWCO Mod 8 extension in principle. The Ulan Complex is an established operation with a proven record of managing mining, environmental and social challenges over many decades. UCML is a large employer, supports many local businesses and contributes significantly to the local economy and community.
The Mod 8 extension is a relatively small incremental increase to the current Project Approval, and the proposed mine plan continues established strategies to manage both mining and environmental risks. Extending the life of largely existing infrastructure is a sensible approach to help manage the inevitable transition from coal to other energy sources and associated support industries.

Objection to Ulan West Continued Operations (UWCO) Mod 8

Mod 8 should not be treated as a modification. It extends beyond the current lease, creates new unassessed impacts, and is effectively a new project. It also follows Mod 6, which the Land and Environment Court has already ruled invalid. Neither proposal serves the public interest or properly addresses climate impacts.

Our region is drowning in coal expansions presented as minor modifications. For more than forty years, companies have used this loophole: a small project first, then endless expansions, avoiding cumulative impact assessment and shifting environmental and generational costs onto the community and the Goulburn and Talbragar catchments. Mod 8 continues this practice and should be rejected or assessed as a new project.

Coal mining is a long-established, highly developed industry. It has operated for decades in NSW and nationally, yet still relies on significant public subsidies such as diesel and electricity concessions and tax write-offs. Claims of public benefit are weak. Approving more taxpayer-backed, high-risk coal expansions is not in the public interest.

Jobs are not a justification. The mine sits within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, which has a major workforce shortage. Ulan already has approval to mine 20 million tonnes per year until at least 2033, regardless of Mod 8.

Mod 8 seeks to extract another 43 million tonnes to 2041, producing more than 105 million tonnes of greenhouse emissions. At this point in the climate crisis, which is driven largely by coal and under-reported methane leakage, further expansion is indefensible. A binding closure plan is overdue.

Environmentally, Ulan undermines more than 120 square kilometres beneath the Great Dividing Range, draining both the Murray-Darling and Hunter systems. Further expansion means ongoing saline discharges into the Goulburn River, worsening long-term dewatering, loss of springs and seeps, and major downstream impacts. Decades of assessments have minimised these effects by focusing only on incremental changes instead of the landscape-scale damage. These mines are also water mines that progressively sterilise essential water resources.

Social impacts are significant. There will be continued loss of farm water, degradation of rural amenity, damage to 71 Aboriginal cultural sites including rock art, and subsidence impacts to at least 17 properties, four homes, and more than fourteen private bores. Accepting this treats residents, Country, and Wiradjuri cultural heritage as expendable.

The proposal is incomplete. The mine plan is not finalised, and key design elements are still undecided. A 132 hectare tailings dam is proposed beside the Goulburn River, yet boundaries, engineering details, long-term stability, seepage risks, and post-closure management remain unclear. There is no assurance about how toxic materials will be contained once mining stops and active management ceases. Mod 8 asks the community and decision makers to approve an expansion first and fill in the crucial details later. This is a blank cheque: open-ended, high-risk, and impossible to properly assess without a complete and final plan.

Mod 8 will also clear or undermine 1743 hectares of forest, escarpment, caves and critical habitat for the Large-eared Pied Bat, Eastern Cave Bat, Regent Honeyeater, Koala and Box Gum Woodland. The scale of destruction of intact ecosystems and the wider impact on biodiversity that keeps this landscape healthy and resilient is unacceptable.

For all these reasons, Mod 8 must be refused or at minimum assessed as a new project.

This project will deliver an important economic boost for the Mid-West region, providing stable jobs for local residents and supporting regional businesses. By utilising existing infrastructure to bring coal to market, it enables a more orderly transition toward renewable energy without causing severe disruptions to power prices during a period of rising cost-of-living pressures.

Ulan Coal has a proven record of responsible resource development and strong environmental performance.

The economic impact of refusing this project would be significant for the local community.

I support this project as it is clearly in the public interest at both the state and local level.

I strongly oppose the Mod 8 expansion of the Ulan Coal Mine. With Mod 6 already invalidated, Mod 8 cannot be justified and should not be permitted to proceed. The Ulan Coal Mine sits within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (CWOREZ), an area the government has promised to deliver a transition to sustainable sources of energy. Continued coal expansion is incompatible with maintaining a safe climate and sustainable economy, and government support must instead prioritise its investment in the transition to renewable energy and local jobs within this sector.

There is no credible evidence that can dispute the significant economic, social, and environmental harms caused by ongoing coal production in NSW, across Australia, and globally, and Mod 8 will only contribute to this. At a time when climate-related disasters are increasing in frequency and severity, it is incomprehensible to advance a project that would further pollute critical water systems and damage ecosystems that we depend on, and continue the destruction of Aboriginal cultural heritage.

I believe we can choose a better future—one in which the resources directed toward this mine are instead directed to and benefit local communities. Despite all the damage that has already been done by coal mining, I can imagine a near future where this land is returned to its Traditional Owners, where plant and animal life can rewild and regenerate, and where people live in stewardship with Country rather than extracting from it. This is the future local communities deserve, and the government has both the responsibility and the ability to achieve it. Mod 8 directly undermines that vision and should not be allowed to move forward.

As a member of the wider community affected by the Ulan West coal mine, I support the extension of the mine known as Mod 8. The amount of money that this will directly and indirectly add to the community at large via employment, business and supplier growth, taxes and royalties which help fund public services and infrastructure, as well as the ongoing support provided to local charities, not for profits and sporting clubs cannot be over stated. Extending the mines life out to 2041 will only help to grow our region and provide support to many organisations within.

Extending the operations at Ulan West coal mine will lead to job creation and provide stable employment opportunities for the local community, contributing to the overall economic growth of the region. The mine extension can lead to increased investments in local infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and healthcare facilities, benefiting the community. The extension can provide a boost to local businesses through increased demand for goods and services from the mine and its workforce. The extension will also generate additional revenue for the state government through royalties, which can be reinvested in public services and infrastructure.

I support this project extension, if approved this project will continue to support the local communities of Mudgee, Gulgong and surrounds. Ulan Coal Complex will be able to continue to;
Provide ongoing employment to our workforce
Continue to support business and suppliers
Continue to pay taxes, royalties and other payments which can help fund public services and infrastructure
Continue to support local charities, not-for-profit organisations and junior sporting clubs.
Without the continued support of Ulan and other Mines in the area Mudgee and surrounds economy will be shattered and the community would loose the sole driving force that brings people to town and allows the town to flourish the way it does now.

I support the Mod 8 development plan with the benefits it will provide to the Mudgee community and the minimal impact the underground operations have on the environment based on years of operational history and rigorous report requirements.
the Mod 8 project will support Mudgee in a period of transition to more sustainable practices through economic support for local businesses and education opportunities with the extended trade and engineering support networks provided by the current operations. with over 30 apprentices on the books at any one time.

Dear Sir/Madam

I fully and unreservedly support the Mod 8 proposal for continuation of Ulan West and it should be approved. The negative impact on the residents of Mudgee and surrounding towns will be significant should the project not be allowed to continue. The Ulan West complex contributions to the community far outweighs any negative impact on other aspects that are being considered. Please approve this modification to allow Glencore to support its many employees, contractors and suppliers as well as the broader community and local economy.

Regards
Tim Oliphant

I support the approval of this project in Mudgee. The coal mining industry provides a lot of jobs to families and approval of this project will help a lot of families to keep their jobs. Also, the industry provides and helps pay taxes, royalties and other payments that help fund crucial public services. Ulan Coal supports local charities, NGO's and sporting clubs as well as major projects such as Mudgee 4 Doctors initiative, Country Universities Centre in Mudgee, and the Mudgee High School LINK Program.
I fully support this project as a result of reasons given above.

The Ulan Complex directly and indirectly provides opportunity and stability that touches the lives of everyone in the region.
• Steady Employment: They provide ongoing, reliable jobs for our neighbors, friends, and family. This means thousands of local families have a secure income to plan their future, buy homes, and feel safe during uncertain times.
• Strengthening the Local Economy: Their massive annual spend (around $470 million) with over 920 suppliers ensures that the local baker, the plumbing company, the engineering firm, and the family who runs the hardware store all keep their doors open and their staff employed. When the mine thrives, local businesses thrive.
• Funding Community Services: By paying significant taxes and royalties, they are directly contributing to the funding of essential public services. This means better roads, more resources for local schools (teachers), improved healthcare facilities (nurses), and a safer community (police).
• Investing in the Future: Their support for charities, sports clubs, and key projects like the Country Universities Centre (CUC) in Mudgee and the Mudgee 4 Doctors initiative means they are building a stronger, healthier community for generations to come. They're helping provide access to higher education locally and securing vital medical professionals.
Career Pathways for All Ages and Genders
The mining industry offers a surprisingly wide variety of roles, moving far beyond the traditional image of working underground. Here are just a few career paths available, suitable for individuals from school-leavers to experienced professionals:
• Trades & Technical Roles:
• Electrician / Fitter / Mechanic (often through apprenticeships for young people).
• Diesel Fitter / Heavy Vehicle Operator (operating and maintaining large equipment).
• Engineering & Science:
• Mining Engineer / Civil Engineer (designing operations, managing infrastructure).
• Geologist (analyzing rock and soil, planning resource extraction).
• Environmental Scientist (monitoring and managing the mine's impact on the environment and rehabilitation efforts).
• Safety & Health:
• Safety Officer / Training Coordinator (critical roles focused on ensuring a safe workplace).
• Industrial Hygienist (monitoring air quality and health risks).
• Administration & Support:
• Human Resources (HR) Officer (managing recruitment, staff welfare, and training).
• Supply Chain & Procurement Specialist (managing the $470 million in spending and logistics).
• Financial Analyst / Accountant (managing budgets, payments, and reporting).
• Entry-Level & Operator Roles (often requiring on-the-job training):
• Trainee Operator (learning to operate mining machinery).
• Warehouse/Storesperson (managing parts and inventory

To whom it may concern,

My name is Mitchell Rowland, and I work in a family business that provides ventilation and gas management services predominantly to the NSW and QLD underground coal industry, but also worldwide.

I personally (and on behalf of our family business) support the submission for the extension of the Ulan West workings for numerous reasons, including reasons that are valid to tourism and sustainability in the Mudgee region.

The underground coal industry in NSW has been a large part of my family heritage, of which I am very proud. Our transition into ventilation and gas services has allowed us to continue to operate in the industry, with the intent of providing a cleaner and more sustainable future for our country and future generations. It allows the continuation of an industry that provides substantial employment and resultant economic benefits to many.

I have visited the Mudgee region to complete consultancy work for Ulan West for many years. I have experience with this mine, and many other mines in Australia, to which I can benchmark.

The Ulan operation(s) operate to the highest of company standards, industry recognised. The gas emissions from these workings are negligible in comparison with nearly all other NSW underground coal mines, making the recovery of this resource one of the cleanest and most viable options, with respect to emissions and environmental impact.

The company has proven repeatedly that they are suitably positioned to finance such operations and to provide longevity to all of those who benefit from the operation, sustainably. Of all planning proposals in the underground coal industry, this application is of low risk, as Glencore has proven reliability in employing a high volume of local workers and following stringent company protocols that align with regulatory requirements. I am aware of many families who have relocated to the region and established lifestyles in the area, including children who attend local schools, directly because of the Ulan West coal mine.

When I visit the Mudgee region for work, I often bring my family (wife and two children) to accompany me, and whilst I work, they spend time in Mudgee, visiting local shops and spending time in the local community. If it weren’t for these opportunities, we would have little reason to visit the region as a busy and growing family. We enjoy our time in this region and hope to continue to visit for many years to come.

I have firsthand seen the impact that the removal of the coal industry has had on small country communities, which impacts restaurants, shops (including heavy industry) and accommodation services of local families that rely on such operations to sustain their businesses.

We (our company and I) hope to see this sustainable operation continue for many years to come. We are proud of our Australian coal mining heritage and ability to sustain local industry in our current economy.

I appreciate the opportunity to provide this submission regarding the proposed continuation of the Ulan Coal Complex. This continuation is critical to maintaining the significant economic, social, and community benefits that the operation currently provides to the region and to New South Wales more broadly.

Economic and Employment Contributions
Approval of the Ulan Coal Complex continuation will enable the operation to:
Provide ongoing employment for its skilled workforce, supporting stable, long-term regional jobs.
Sustain local and regional businesses and suppliers, with the Ulan Coal Complex spending approximately $470 million each year across more than 920 suppliers, many of whom are based in the local area.
Continue contributing taxes, royalties, and other payments that help fund essential public services—including infrastructure, education, health and policing—which are vital to communities across the state.
In 2024, the Ulan Coal Complex delivered more than $846 million in direct socio-economic value, demonstrating its substantial and ongoing contribution to economic resilience and community wellbeing.

Community and Regional Support
The Ulan Coal Complex plays an important role in strengthening local communities. Its support extends to charities, not-for-profit organisations, junior sporting clubs, and key regional initiatives, including:
The Mudgee 4 Doctors initiative
The Country Universities Centre (CUC) in Mudgee
The Mudgee High School LINK Program
These programs and partnerships reflect a long-term commitment to community development, education, and regional health outcomes.

Project Scope and Demand Context
It is important to note that the proposal does not involve establishing a new mine. There will be no increase in approved annual production rates and no change to the scale or intensity of mining activities. The continuation simply seeks to extend existing operations within the current operational framework.
There remains strong short- to medium-term demand for the high-quality coal produced at Ulan, including from several of Australia’s key trading partners. Meeting this demand is essential for supporting economic stability, export reliability, and energy supply chains.

Conclusion
For these reasons, I respectfully support the continuation of the Ulan Coal Complex. Its ongoing operation will ensure continued economic benefits, community investment, and regional employment while maintaining existing operational parameters.
Thank you for considering this submission.