Modification 6 - underground mining extension

This will assist in job creation and will allow Glencore to engage with local suppliers assisting local jobs

I object to the project on the grounds that:
- it will have a serious and irreversible negative impact on threatened species and critically endangered Box Gum Woodlands; further, these impacts should be assessed cumulatively with those of Mod 8; and
- it will further endanger groundwater and river flows, with potential negative impact on the Macquarie Marshes, just listed as an endangered threatened ecological community under the EPBC Act - any increase in risk to this precious environmental asset is unacceptable.
And what is there to offset these significant harms and risks? The last thing we need, the mining of more polluting thermal coal. That may generate some meagre royalties, but they will not cover the resulting losses and damage due to increased floods, fires, and extreme storms resulting from the greenhouse impact of the emissions as the coal is mined, transported and burnt. And the jobs impact will be negligible - the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone is generating lots of work.
Please say no, on behalf of nature lovers and future generations.

Submission of Objection – Ulan Coal Mine Modification 6 (Amended)

I object to the amended Modification 6 proposal for the Ulan Coal Mine.

The amended Mod 6 cannot be assessed in isolation. It is explicitly designed to extend the mine to 2035 and to enable the much larger Modification 8 proposal, which together would disturb 2,368 hectares of additional land and extend coal extraction to 2041. These proposals are functionally interdependent and must be assessed together as a new project to allow proper consideration of cumulative impacts. Continuing to assess them as separate modifications avoids rigorous scrutiny and removes community merit appeal rights.

The amended proposal still fails to meet the requirements of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act in relation to greenhouse gas emissions. It does not adequately assess the environmental, social and economic impacts of total emissions, including Scope 3 emissions, despite clear legal precedent. Mod 6 alone would enable an additional 18.8 million tonnes of coal, and when combined with Mod 8 would result in more than a 45% increase in emissions over currently approved operations. This is incompatible with climate objectives and the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, within which the mine is located.

Cumulative environmental impacts across the three Mudgee coal mines ; Ulan, Moolarben and Wilpinjong, have not been assessed. This includes the ongoing loss of threatened species habitat for microbats and woodland-dependent species, the progressive loss of critically endangered Box Gum Woodland, and the risk of serious and irreversible impacts that have not been properly evaluated.

Water impacts remain inadequately addressed. Underground mining subsidence damages groundwater systems that sustain base flows to rivers and creeks. When combined with Mod 8 and existing approvals, this proposal will further reduce flows to the Talbragar River, a key tributary of the Macquarie River within the Murray–Darling Basin, with downstream consequences for the internationally significant Macquarie Marshes.

The cumulative loss of Aboriginal cultural heritage in the Ulan area has not been assessed, despite clear evidence of long-standing Wiradjuri connection to Country and the scale of additional disturbance proposed.

Finally, the proposal is not justified on economic or employment grounds. Coal expansion competes directly with the workforce urgently needed for renewable energy, housing and regional infrastructure. The Central West has clear opportunities for economic diversification, and continued coal expansion undermines a planned and orderly transition.

For these reasons, the amended Modification 6 should be refused, or assessed together with Modification 8 as a new project with full cumulative impact assessment.

Regards,
Maddison O'Brien
Local Resident

I strongly object to the proposal, Ulan Coal Mine Amended Modification 6, for several critical reasons.

The sole purpose of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act is to protect the environment and biodiversity, not to facilitate incremental destruction through piecemeal approvals. Modification 6 seeks to do exactly that—erode the environment bit by bit, as though it is a negotiable commodity. This approach undermines the integrity of the EPBC Act and sets a dangerous precedent for environmental governance.

In addition, it is deeply concerning that Modification 8 has already been put on public display. The government must consider these two projects together, as their cumulative impacts cannot be ignored. I urge the government to demand transparency from Ulan Coal Mine. Where does this end? Together, these two projects introduce an obscene amount of carbon pollution into the atmosphere—pollution that we simply do not need. At a time when the world is transitioning away from fossil fuels, the NSW Government should be urging Ulan to invest in sustainable energy sources such as wind and solar. Australia is the "sunburned country," blessed with abundant sunshine and renewable energy potential. We have choices. We do not need to lead the world in environmental destruction. Australian workers are capable of so much more than digging holes and destroying habitats. We need to end coal-powered energy, not extend its life.

Approving this modification would make a mockery of the EPBC Act. The Act should be used as the powerful instrument it was intended to be—to protect and prevent harm to threatened species and their habitats. This proposal threatens critical habitats for species such as the Large-eared Pied Bat, Eastern Cave Bat, Powerful Owl, Barking Owl, and Southern Myotis. These species are listed as threatened, and that designation is not partial or negotiable. A species is either threatened or it is not—just as a woman cannot be partially pregnant. The "threatened species" label is explicit and complete, and it demands action, not compromise.

The cumulative impacts of these modifications on biodiversity, water resources, and the climate are unacceptable. Coal mining operations in this region have already caused significant harm, including habitat destruction, water table depletion, and pollution. Allowing further modifications will only exacerbate these issues, pushing ecosystems and species closer to collapse.

In conclusion, I urge decision-makers to reject Ulan Coal Mine Amended Modification 6. The EPBC Act must be upheld as a tool for protection, not negotiation. We have the opportunity to lead the way in sustainable energy and environmental stewardship. Let us protect our unique biodiversity, invest in renewable energy, and ensure a livable future for generations to come.

To whom it may concern

I am writing to object to the modification 6 - underground mining extension near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country.

I hold serious concerns that this project will cause serious and irreversible harm to the environment, climate and community and should not be approved.

I hold grave concerns for:

All the Biodiversity and threatened species that call that area home.

The habitat loss that will be impacted by this expansion is concerning especially for those threatened species such as: Large-eared pied bats, Eastern cave bats, powerful owl, barking owl and southern myotis, because all the above cannot exist without habitat let alone loss of water for survival.

These guys can’t speak up for themselves so it’s our duty of care to be their voice’s and do what we can to protect and save our incredible environment, because if it goes down we go down to !!!.

This new or expanding coal projects really cannot afford to be approved while we are in a climate and biodiversity crisis.

For these reasons I recommend that the modification 6 - underground mining extension near Mudgee on Wiradjuri Country be refused.

Thanks for reading and considering my submission

Sincerely

A concerned local citizen

Mudgee, Wiradjuri country 2850

An extension will not only provide royalties to the state, but also ensure the ongoing future for the town of Mudgee and other associated industries

The key points of my objection:
1. I believe that this project must be assessed together with the Ulan Mod 8 proposal as a new project to provide
robust cumulative impact information.
2. The amendment report still fails to fully identify the impacts of the increased
greenhouse gas emissions on the local environment, community and economy, as
required under NSW planning law.
3. The proposal will produce an additional 18.8 million tonnes of coal and when combined
with Mod 8 (additional 43 MT) there will be over a 45% increase in total emissions above
current approved operations at Ulan Mine.
4. There is no assessment of cumulative impacts from existing mine approvals or
expansion proposals across the three Mudgee Mines: Ulan, Moolarben, Wilpinjong
5. The cumulative loss of threatened species habitat, significant Aboriginal cultural
heritage values, water from the landscape and flows to creeks and rivers, and threats to
amenity and livelihoods of neighbours has not been assessed, which in this day and age makes no sense
6. The proposal is within the CWOREZ and is competing for regional workforce urgently
needed for new industries in the Central West
7. The proposal will place further pressure on already stressed surface and ground water
sources within the Murray Darling Basin

I am a local resident and strongly object to Ulan Coal Mine amended Modification 6.
Modification 6 expansion should be assessed alongside Ulan Modification 8 as a NEW PROJECT. These two expansions will disturb over 2300 ha of new land and add considerable further pressures on water resources and local native fauna, including threatened species.
This area is within the CWOREZ. Approving and extending coal mining activities in this region contradicts the objective of establishing new energy sources through these renewable projects.
Thank you

It iis unnessacary and fuels global warming. We should be azing out coal whereever we can.

Ulan Coal Mine Amended Modification 6: Objection
I object to the Glencore’s Ulan Coal Mine Amended Modification in the Mudgee region.
My basic objection is to the exacerbating climate change effects of extending this coal mine to 2035, when Glencore is well aware of greenhouse emissions this mine already is and will continue to produce.
Specifically, my objections are as follows:
1) This Modification 6 proposal is being resubmitted after the original approval has been overturned in the Land and Environment Court
2) The request to extract a further 18.8 million tonnes of thermal coal would prolong the mine’s life by six years and produce an estimated 105 million tonnes of Scope 3 emissions. This would equate to a 45% increase in emissions above the current emissions of the company’s operations.
3) The company is aware of the climate impacts and that they need to be considered in planning decisions. The N.S.W. Net Zero Commission has warned that continued coal mining is averse to N.S.W. climate warming reduction targets.
4) The company fails to assess the cumulative impacts from existing mine approvals or expansion proposals across the three Mudgee Mines: Ulan, Moolarben, Wilpinjong.
5) There is the potential loss of threatened species habitat, significant Aboriginal cultural heritage values, water from the landscape and flows to creeks and rivers, and threats to amenity and livelihoods of neighbours, all of which have not been assessed.
6) The proposal will place further pressure on already stressed surface and ground water sources within the Murray Darling Basin.

This is my family's source of income as well as many of my workmates. The mine supports other businesses in the area as well

I support the project

I am writing this submission in support of the Ulan Coal Mines Pty Ltd MOD6 submission. This project is pivotal to the ongoing economic viability of regional NSW and the local area of Mudgee.

Great for employment and the economy for the region

Key points of objection:
Unequivocally, climate change represents the single greatest accelerating fiscal liability facing the Australian economy. The combined tangible costs resulting from the catastrophic sequence of drought, fires, and floods, including insured losses exceeding $15 billion outlays of $3.1 billion, represent only a fraction of the total economic damage. With these costs now expected to grow exponentially in the coming decades due to events like bushfires, floods, storms, and heatwaves. Simply put, we cannot continue to afford extracting coal that contributes to fueling climate disasters.
This submission also accentuates the imperative necessity that Ulan Mod 6 along with the Ulan Mod 8 proposal needs to be submitted as a new project to provide robust cumulative impact information.
This submission also states that the amendment report continues not to identify the impacts of the increased greenhouse gas emissions on the local environment, community and economy, as required under NSW planning law.
This development proposal will produce an additional 18.8 million tonnes of coal and when combined with Mod 8 (additional 43 MT) there will be over a 45% increase in total emissions above current approved operations at Ulan Mine, with no assessment of cumulative impacts from existing mine approvals or expansion proposals across the three Mudgee Mines: Ulan, Moolarben, Wilpinjong. The cumulative loss of threatened species habitat, loss of water from the landscape and flows to creeks and rivers, and threats to amenity and livelihoods of neighbours has not been assessed.

I am deeply concerned about the relentless expansion of coal and other mining projects in the Mudgee Region at a time when we should be focused on the development of renewable energy sources. My specific concerns about this proposal are listed in the attachment.

Creates employment within local area. Support for local businesses.

I support the Mod 6 Project as it will allow Ulan Coal Mines to provide security of employment for over 650 employees and continuation of its significant contribution of the local and regional economy. This Project does not provide any major changes to the current environmental and social impact of mining activities and requires only minor changes to current infrastructure.

Additionally this Modification will provide job security that will assist in bringing people to the area, maintain local housing values and continue sustaining local business (including but not limited to, builders and assosiated trades, restaurants, hotels and motels, material supplies, printing, heavy equipment repairers and transport /crane companies).

Also of note the continued operation of these mines will allow the continued trade apprentice programs for local kids along with supporting the local TAFE and school based apprenticeships.

As a trained environmental scientist, I am concerned about the widespread negative impacts of this mining operation, both economic and environmental. In particular,
• The report for this amendment fails to fully identify the impacts of the increased greenhouse gas emissions on the local environment, community and economy, as required under NSW planning law.
• There is no assessment of cumulative impacts from existing mine approvals or expansion proposals across all Mudgee Mines.
• The cumulative loss of threatened species habitat, significant Aboriginal cultural heritage values, water from the landscape and flows to creeks and rivers, and threats to amenity and livelihoods of neighbours has not been assessed.
• The proposal will result in competition for regional workforce needed for new industries in the Central West.
• It will place further pressure on already stressed surface and ground water sources within the Murray Darling Basin, and it impact on local agriculture.

Submission for Mod 6 Underground Mining Extension
Ellen Griffiths – NSW Government Major Projects

Introduction
I am pleased to provide this submission in support of the Mod 6 underground mining extension. As someone who has been directly involved mining and coal operations, I am confident that this project will continue to deliver safe, sustainable, and meaningful outcomes for both the workforce and the broader community in NSW.

Safety and Operational Improvements
Safety has always been my highest priority in underground mining. Over the years, I have contributed to initiatives that enhance operational safety, including Rolgliss Descender training, improvements to emergency response readiness, and upgrades to critical equipment such as 555 rescue vehicle enhancements. I have also supported the training and development of our teams, ensuring all personnel are highly skilled, competent, and prepared for all operational scenarios.

Community and Workforce Contributions
I believe strongly in the value of regional employment and community engagement. The Mod 6 extension will continue to create meaningful employment opportunities for local workers, including trainees and apprentices, while supporting regional economic growth. I have personally been involved in mentoring trainees and contributing to initiatives that strengthen our workplace culture and community connections.

Environmental Responsibility
I recognize the importance of responsible environmental stewardship. Throughout my work, I have actively supported measures that minimize environmental impact, including rehabilitation planning, monitoring, and compliance with all NSW environmental requirements. Protecting land, water, and air quality remains a core part of how I approach mining.

Conclusion
In my view, the Mod 6 underground mining extension represents a responsible and positive continuation of safe and sustainable mining operations in NSW. I am confident that it will deliver lasting benefits to the workforce, the local community, and the economy. I fully support this project and welcome the opportunity to see it progress under careful oversight and with continued community engagement.

Ellen Griffiths
Safety and Training Coordinator
19/01/2026