SSD Modifications
Determination
Modification 5 Bloomfield Colliery Continuation Project
Cessnock City
Current Status: Determination
Interact with the stages for their names
- Prepare Mod Report
- Exhibition
- Collate Submissions
- Response to Submissions
- Assessment
- Recommendation
- Determination
Bloomfield proposes to continue mining operations two additional areas known as:
• The Creek Cut area.
• The Workshop area.
Mining of these additional areas would extend the life of the mine until 31 December 2035.
Attachments & Resources
Notice of Exhibition (1)
Early Consultation (1)
Modification Application (12)
Response to Submissions (11)
Agency Advice (29)
Additional Information (12)
Determination (3)
Consolidated Consent (1)
Submissions
Showing 1 - 20 of 234 submissions
LYNDA WALSH
Support
LYNDA WALSH
Support
WILTON
,
New South Wales
Message
Coal is essential to Australia's prosperity and industry . Bloomfield is not a new mine, mining has taken place at the site since the 1850's with Bloomfield taking over the site in 1937.
No increase in coal production is proposed under this extension. It is merely the continuation of existing operations which will secure the continued employement of around 100 people in a region that desperately need jobs, and will help secure economic benefits for the region for the next decade. This continuation of the existing mine does not involve any additional equipment or additional infrastructure and will not increase noise, visual impacts or be closer to residential areas.
An important environmental benefit of this proposal, is that it enables changes to the current post mining landform, enabling a reduction the final void size and slope angles, which simplifies and streamlines the final rehabilitation, and enhances future land use.
No increase in coal production is proposed under this extension. It is merely the continuation of existing operations which will secure the continued employement of around 100 people in a region that desperately need jobs, and will help secure economic benefits for the region for the next decade. This continuation of the existing mine does not involve any additional equipment or additional infrastructure and will not increase noise, visual impacts or be closer to residential areas.
An important environmental benefit of this proposal, is that it enables changes to the current post mining landform, enabling a reduction the final void size and slope angles, which simplifies and streamlines the final rehabilitation, and enhances future land use.
Jhiezel Ramirez
Support
Jhiezel Ramirez
Support
RUTHERFORD
,
New South Wales
Message
Support mining to provide people/trades quality of life in paying needs.
Ryder Mitchell
Support
Ryder Mitchell
Support
CHISHOLM
,
New South Wales
Message
My father is employed full-time at Bloomfield Mine and if the Bloomfield Mine gets the continuation we get to live and work here in our local area. I support the continuation project.
Name Withheld
Support
Name Withheld
Support
EDGEWORTH
,
New South Wales
Message
I support the extension as my family work at this mine, revenue that comes from the coal industry helps Australia and this is the last Australian family owned coal mine
Shane Gundry
Support
Shane Gundry
Support
KOTARA
,
New South Wales
Message
The continuation project is of great value to the local community, employees and suppliers.
Name Withheld
Support
Name Withheld
Support
CAMERON PARK
,
New South Wales
Message
The extension of this coal mine ensures livelihoods of families who have family members working there.
The community will further benefit from the ongoing support and donations
The community will further benefit from the ongoing support and donations
Brett Lewis
Support
Brett Lewis
Support
MEREWETHER
,
New South Wales
Message
The Bloomfield Continuation Project should be approved because it would -
1) further improve the utilisation of the site's natural resources (The Bloomfield Group has operated mining on the site since 1937)
2) provide a longer and larger royalty stream to the NSW government
3) extend the employment of direct employees and supporting contractors (numbering more than 100) and their dependent families
4) provide the opportunity for improved rehabilitation outcomes by reducing potential future subsidence issues (this project proposes mining through and eliminating historic shallow underground workings undertaken by others)
5) be similar to current operations. Studies undertaken show immaterial changes to the impacts on surrounding neighbours if the continuation is approved. This is because the type of equipment and shift arrangements remain as has historically been the case. The current operations enjoy a positive relationship with neighbours with historically low numbers of enquiries to the site. Given the similar parameters of the continuation project, this excellent performance is expected to continue.
6) increase to the ability of The Bloomfield Group to support community organisations and events via The Bloomfield Foundation (for example, the domestic violence support service - Carrie's Place and Maitland's recent Steamfest)
1) further improve the utilisation of the site's natural resources (The Bloomfield Group has operated mining on the site since 1937)
2) provide a longer and larger royalty stream to the NSW government
3) extend the employment of direct employees and supporting contractors (numbering more than 100) and their dependent families
4) provide the opportunity for improved rehabilitation outcomes by reducing potential future subsidence issues (this project proposes mining through and eliminating historic shallow underground workings undertaken by others)
5) be similar to current operations. Studies undertaken show immaterial changes to the impacts on surrounding neighbours if the continuation is approved. This is because the type of equipment and shift arrangements remain as has historically been the case. The current operations enjoy a positive relationship with neighbours with historically low numbers of enquiries to the site. Given the similar parameters of the continuation project, this excellent performance is expected to continue.
6) increase to the ability of The Bloomfield Group to support community organisations and events via The Bloomfield Foundation (for example, the domestic violence support service - Carrie's Place and Maitland's recent Steamfest)
Name Withheld
Support
Name Withheld
Support
EAST MAITLAND
,
New South Wales
Message
The project will deliver long-term benefits, including sustained employment opportunities and support for local businesses and contractors. The royalties generated will help fund essential services across NSW, including healthcare, hospitals, and critical infrastructure.
Name Withheld
Support
Name Withheld
Support
ASHTONFIELD
,
New South Wales
Message
I support the project
Name Withheld
Support
Name Withheld
Support
KOTARA
,
New South Wales
Message
The Bloomfield group is a major supporter of community organisations in the area and the continuation of this project would I'm sure help that investment in the community continue. Many of these community projects funded by the Bloomfield foundation are long standing relationships in local schools, junior sporting teams and among many other things, initiatives that underpin community health and welfare.
The employment and economic benefits for the region are beneficial to the community as royalties help fund NSW government essential services whilst the direct and indirect employment from this project keeps the local economy strong.
This continuation will ensure the landform is in a better condition than previously accepted and once mined will ensure the old underground workings do not become a subsidence issue.
This is a project that has so many benefits, too many to call out individually.
We are not yet ready for the transition away from Coal and given this is short term and utilises existing infrastructure I feel the decision to approve this project is a common sense one to make.
The employment and economic benefits for the region are beneficial to the community as royalties help fund NSW government essential services whilst the direct and indirect employment from this project keeps the local economy strong.
This continuation will ensure the landform is in a better condition than previously accepted and once mined will ensure the old underground workings do not become a subsidence issue.
This is a project that has so many benefits, too many to call out individually.
We are not yet ready for the transition away from Coal and given this is short term and utilises existing infrastructure I feel the decision to approve this project is a common sense one to make.
Name Withheld
Support
Name Withheld
Support
ELRINGTON
,
New South Wales
Message
I support the project and all the jobs and longevity the extension will bring to the community
Graeme Cooper
Support
Graeme Cooper
Support
Macquarie hills
,
New South Wales
Message
I support this project as I am an employee of the project and will continue to provide for my family for manny more years
Samantha Cross
Support
Samantha Cross
Support
Morpeth
,
New South Wales
Message
This project will continue to support many families and contractors within the local area as they have for the last 70+ years, this is important, as the rest of the world is struggling to find their feet- we as a community already have this long-term foundation in the ground working to keep it's surrounding community and the families within it supported. This continuation project is sustainable and offers positive impact to help conserve and rebuild the local area thus moving towards future local developments whilst working with local people and councils surrounding the project for all long-term outcomes.
Name Withheld
Support
Name Withheld
Support
LOWER BELFORD
,
New South Wales
Message
Continuation of mining means ongoing employment for employees, contractors and associated companies. It also means Bloomfield can continue its support of local companies and community organisation through the Bloomfield Group Foundation.
Chris Golledge
Support
Chris Golledge
Support
Hawks Nest
,
New South Wales
Message
Employment and Economic Benefits for the Local Community, NSW, and Australia:
The proposed continuation of mining operations will deliver substantial economic and social benefits at the local, state, and national levels. It will ensure ongoing employment for a skilled regional workforce, as well as continued engagement with contractors and suppliers, supporting economic stability and growth in local communities.
Extended operations will also result in increased taxation revenue to both the New South Wales and Commonwealth Governments, contributing to broader fiscal sustainability. In addition, royalties generated from the additional resource extraction will provide direct financial support to the State, enabling continued investment in critical public infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, transport networks, and essential services.
These outcomes are closely aligned with the State’s economic development and regional investment priorities, ensuring that the benefits of resource development are shared widely and contribute meaningfully to the prosperity and wellbeing of the people of New South Wales.
Continued mining will mean ongoing investment in the many community organisations Bloomfield supports in the local area through The Bloomfield Group Foundation.
Improved Final Landform to Support Productive Post-Mining Land Use:
The proposed modification will deliver meaningful improvements to the approved post-mining landform, enhancing both its environmental stability and its suitability for long-term agricultural use. Specifically, the reduction in the size of the final void and the easing of rehabilitated slope angles will result in a more stable and functional landscape.
These changes directly support the intended post-mining land use of cattle grazing, improving the safety, usability, and productivity of the land for future generations. By facilitating a more practical and beneficial transition to agricultural use, the modified landform reflects a responsible and forward-looking approach to mine closure and rehabilitation—one that aligns with government objectives for sustainable land use and regional resilience.
Opportunity to address legacy matters associated with the site: Mining has been carried out at the site since the late 1850s. The project provides the opportunity to mine an area of shallow historic underground workings, thereby removing the potential for subsidence and voids to occur at the surface and providing improved long term stability benefits for the final landform.
Results of key studies
As part of preparing the EIS, a series of specialist technical studies were completed, indicating that the continuation of operations can be undertaken and managed to meet the requirements for air quality, noise and blasting.
A biodiversity offset strategy will also address the ecological impacts associated with the disturbance of vegetation.
The proposed continuation of mining operations will deliver substantial economic and social benefits at the local, state, and national levels. It will ensure ongoing employment for a skilled regional workforce, as well as continued engagement with contractors and suppliers, supporting economic stability and growth in local communities.
Extended operations will also result in increased taxation revenue to both the New South Wales and Commonwealth Governments, contributing to broader fiscal sustainability. In addition, royalties generated from the additional resource extraction will provide direct financial support to the State, enabling continued investment in critical public infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, transport networks, and essential services.
These outcomes are closely aligned with the State’s economic development and regional investment priorities, ensuring that the benefits of resource development are shared widely and contribute meaningfully to the prosperity and wellbeing of the people of New South Wales.
Continued mining will mean ongoing investment in the many community organisations Bloomfield supports in the local area through The Bloomfield Group Foundation.
Improved Final Landform to Support Productive Post-Mining Land Use:
The proposed modification will deliver meaningful improvements to the approved post-mining landform, enhancing both its environmental stability and its suitability for long-term agricultural use. Specifically, the reduction in the size of the final void and the easing of rehabilitated slope angles will result in a more stable and functional landscape.
These changes directly support the intended post-mining land use of cattle grazing, improving the safety, usability, and productivity of the land for future generations. By facilitating a more practical and beneficial transition to agricultural use, the modified landform reflects a responsible and forward-looking approach to mine closure and rehabilitation—one that aligns with government objectives for sustainable land use and regional resilience.
Opportunity to address legacy matters associated with the site: Mining has been carried out at the site since the late 1850s. The project provides the opportunity to mine an area of shallow historic underground workings, thereby removing the potential for subsidence and voids to occur at the surface and providing improved long term stability benefits for the final landform.
Results of key studies
As part of preparing the EIS, a series of specialist technical studies were completed, indicating that the continuation of operations can be undertaken and managed to meet the requirements for air quality, noise and blasting.
A biodiversity offset strategy will also address the ecological impacts associated with the disturbance of vegetation.
Stephen Tipper
Support
Stephen Tipper
Support
CHISHOLM
,
New South Wales
Message
Bloomfield mine has operated close to residential areas in this location for many decades with minimal impact.
It has provided employment for multiple generations of local families, who have in turn returned millions of dollars into the local economy, not to mention the millions directly from goods & services each year to local business's from the mining operations.
The extension to the mine is purely for time, the existing extraction rates & the area being mined will not change.
If the extension is approved it will allow an improved final land form, ie a smaller final void, Provide another 10 years of employment for current employees, continue to support local business's & further coal royalties to the government that benefit us all.
I Have lived in the local area all my life & strongly support this modification
Steve
It has provided employment for multiple generations of local families, who have in turn returned millions of dollars into the local economy, not to mention the millions directly from goods & services each year to local business's from the mining operations.
The extension to the mine is purely for time, the existing extraction rates & the area being mined will not change.
If the extension is approved it will allow an improved final land form, ie a smaller final void, Provide another 10 years of employment for current employees, continue to support local business's & further coal royalties to the government that benefit us all.
I Have lived in the local area all my life & strongly support this modification
Steve
Jonathan Egan
Support
Jonathan Egan
Support
CARDIFF
,
New South Wales
Message
I am in support of Modification 5 Bloomfield Colliery Continuation Project. The project delivers ongoing employment, economic benefits, and community investment. It enhances final landform stability, addresses legacy subsidence risks, and contributes vital royalties to public services. Environmental studies confirm operations can meet required standards for air quality, noise, and blasting.
Katherine Mulvihill
Support
Katherine Mulvihill
Support
MAYFIELD
,
New South Wales
Message
I support the continuation of the Bloomfield mine as they are a good Australian company supporting local families like myself through employment & community opportunities created for the Hunter Valley. I have met the Management team of Bloomfield & they Care & Deliver for lots of great community events like Steamfest. Please go ahead & approve this project
Michael Minchin
Support
Michael Minchin
Support
RUTHERFORD
,
New South Wales
Message
Employment and economic benefits for the local community, the State of NSW, and Australia: Continued mining will mean ongoing employment.
In Pit Solutions
Support
In Pit Solutions
Support
WOODVILLE
,
New South Wales
Message
To Whom It May Concern,
In Pit Solutions is proud to submit our support and continued interest in being part of the Bloomfield Group for its Environmental Impact Statement at Bloomfield Colliery.
Our company has had the privilege of working closely with the Bloomfield Group across all of their sites, including the location of this ongoing initiative. Over time, we have developed a strong working relationship built on shared values of safety, operational excellence, and mutual respect. We’ve seen firsthand the dedication Bloomfield brings not only to the success of their operations, but also to the wellbeing of their employees and contractors.
As a locally based service provider, we commend Bloomfield Group’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, responsible resource development, and community engagement. Their family-owned values resonate deeply with our own approach to business. We have always felt that our team has been treated with fairness and professionalism across all levels of engagement.
We believe that the continuation of this project will not only provide long-term economic benefits to the region but also ensure a stable and progressive future for all stakeholders involved.
In Pit Solutions is committed to supporting this project with the same level of quality and dedication we’ve demonstrated throughout our existing collaborations.
We look forward to being part of the next phase of development and working together to ensure its continued success.
Yours sincerely,
Brayden Dark
Director
In Pit Solutions
[email protected]
0421734921
22/4/2025
In Pit Solutions is proud to submit our support and continued interest in being part of the Bloomfield Group for its Environmental Impact Statement at Bloomfield Colliery.
Our company has had the privilege of working closely with the Bloomfield Group across all of their sites, including the location of this ongoing initiative. Over time, we have developed a strong working relationship built on shared values of safety, operational excellence, and mutual respect. We’ve seen firsthand the dedication Bloomfield brings not only to the success of their operations, but also to the wellbeing of their employees and contractors.
As a locally based service provider, we commend Bloomfield Group’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, responsible resource development, and community engagement. Their family-owned values resonate deeply with our own approach to business. We have always felt that our team has been treated with fairness and professionalism across all levels of engagement.
We believe that the continuation of this project will not only provide long-term economic benefits to the region but also ensure a stable and progressive future for all stakeholders involved.
In Pit Solutions is committed to supporting this project with the same level of quality and dedication we’ve demonstrated throughout our existing collaborations.
We look forward to being part of the next phase of development and working together to ensure its continued success.
Yours sincerely,
Brayden Dark
Director
In Pit Solutions
[email protected]
0421734921
22/4/2025
Pagination
Project Details
Application Number
MP07_0087-Mod-5
EPBC ID Number
2024/09978
Main Project
MP07_0087
Assessment Type
SSD Modifications
Development Type
Coal Mining
Local Government Areas
Cessnock City
Decision
Approved
Determination Date
Decider
Executive Director
Related Projects
MP07_0087-Mod-1
Determination
SSD Modifications
Mod 1 - Power Supply and Overburden Emplacement
Po Box 4 East Maitland New South Wales Australia 2323
MP07_0087-Mod-2
Determination
SSD Modifications
Mod 2 - Management Plan Timing Extension
Po Box 4 East Maitland New South Wales Australia 2323
MP07_0087-Mod-3
Determination
SSD Modifications
Mod 3 - Powerline Corridor
Po Box 4 East Maitland New South Wales Australia 2323
MP07_0087-Mod-4
Determination
SSD Modifications
Mod 4 - Extension
Po Box 4 East Maitland New South Wales Australia 2323