I am making this submission in support of Modification 8 (MOD 8) for the Mount Pleasant Mine, which proposes a life extension of mining operations to 31 December 2032.
I used to live and work in the Upper Hunter region, and I have seen first‑hand how important Mount Pleasant is to the local community. The mine is not just a workplace – it supports families, small businesses, contractors, and the broader local economy. For many people my brother in Muswellbrook and surrounding towns, it provides stable employment and a reason to stay in the region.
Extending the life of the mine would provide certainty and stability at a time when uncertainty is already affecting many regional communities. Without this extension, there is a real risk of job losses, people being forced to leave the area to find work, and flow‑on impacts to local shops, schools, sporting clubs, and service providers.
Mount Pleasant employs a large local workforce, with many employees living in the Muswellbrook area and the region. The continuation of operations would mean people can continue to support their families, pay mortgages, and contribute to the community. It also supports a wide range of local contractors and suppliers who rely on the mine for ongoing work.
I also believe it is important to recognise the mine’s ongoing contribution to the local Indigenous community, including employment opportunities and investment in cultural and community programs. These benefits should not be underestimated, particularly in a regional area where opportunities can be limited.
From my understanding, MOD 8 does not involve a new mine or a major change in land use. It is an extension of an existing, long‑approved operation, and it will continue to be regulated under strict NSW Government environmental and planning controls. The proposed modification is being assessed under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, with updated studies on noise, air quality, water, social impacts, and rehabilitation. This gives me confidence that potential impacts are being properly considered and managed.
I also recognise that coal mining is a sensitive topic for many people. However, I believe this proposal represents a practical and balanced approach. It allows an existing operation to continue in a controlled way, supports local jobs and the regional economy, and avoids the social and economic shock that would come from an abrupt closure in 2026.
For the Upper Hunter, responsible transition means planning carefully, not cutting communities off without alternatives in place. MOD 8 provides time for that transition while continuing to support the people who live and work here now.
For these reasons, I strongly support the approval of Modification 8 for the Mount Pleasant Mine and encourage the Department to give full consideration to the positive community and regional impacts of this proposal.
Thank you for the opportunity to make this submission.

Jason McCallum

I am writing to express my support for the continuation of operations at the Mt Pleasant Coal Mine in Muswellbrook, NSW. The Mt Pleasant operation plays a significant economic and social role in the Upper Hunter region, and with appropriate environmental management and regulatory oversight, its continuation provides substantial benefits to the community, the local workforce, and the broader NSW economy.

Mt Pleasant is a major employer in the Upper Hunter. As documented by the NSW Court of Appeal review of the project background, the mine directly supports more than 400 workers in the region—jobs that provide stable, skilled employment and are vital to local families and businesses.

The mine’s operations also stimulate secondary employment through suppliers, contractors, transport services, equipment maintenance, and local retail—supporting Muswellbrook’s economic stability during a period of broader structural change in the energy sector.

According to Global Energy Monitor data, Mt Pleasant employs around 340 workers and operates as one of NSW’s significant open‑cut coal mining operations.
The continuation of operations therefore ensures ongoing regional economic activity that benefits the Upper Hunter.

The mine is operated by MACH Energy under multiple established mining leases and operates within approved development consents (DA 92/97 and SSD 10418). The Mount Pleasant Optimisation Project, approved under SSD 10418, already allows for mining up to 21 million tonnes per annum ROM and continuation until 2048.

The project has been planned with a multi‑decade operational horizon, accompanied by detailed forward programs that outline surface disturbance management, exploration drilling processes, water management, infrastructure upgrades, and progressive rehabilitation practices. These forward programs demonstrate the operator’s preparedness to continue operations safely, responsibly, and in alignment with NSW’s regulatory requirements.

Mt Pleasant produces high‑quality thermal coal that contributes to NSW export markets, primarily through the Port Waratah Coal Services export supply chain.
Coal exports remain a major contributor to NSW royalties, regional employment, and state revenue—funding essential public services, infrastructure, education, and health programs. Continuation of the mine ensures these contributions remain stable during the state’s staged energy transition. Continuation of the mine ensures these contributions remain stable during the state’s staged energy transition.

The mine already operates under stringent NSW environmental regulation, including ongoing monitoring of dust, noise, surface water, rehabilitation commitments, and progressive land restoration.
MACH Energy’s forward program outlines:

- Controlled water release and upgraded water management infrastructure
- Planned rehabilitation of exploration and drilling areas
- Dust and noise minimisation during drilling using water injection methods
- Ongoing construction of water management systems that precede new mining areas
These activities show consistent compliance with regulatory conditions and a proactive approach to mitigating environmental impacts.

Although recent legal challenges have resulted in the overturning of certain expansion approvals, this does not reflect on the value or viability of the existing operation, nor does it negate the ability for revised or improved approval pathways to be pursued. The 2025 NSW Court of Appeal decision cited a deficiency in the consideration of downstream emissions—not the inherent suitability of Mt Pleasant as a mining operation.

Muswellbrook and the Upper Hunter region continue to navigate economic uncertainty as power stations close and industries transition. Maintaining employment anchors such as Mt Pleasant is critical to ensuring:
- A stable population
- Strong local business activity
- Retention of skilled workers
- Preservation of regional community services
Allowing Mt Pleasant to continue operating ensures the region is not subjected to abrupt economic shocks during a period of national energy transformation.

The continuation of the Mt Pleasant Mining operation is essential for the economic well‑being of the Upper Hunter region and remains compatible with NSW’s rigorous environmental and planning frameworks.
With strong evidence of responsible management, significant community benefit, and existing long-term approvals, I respectfully urge decision-makers to support the continuation of mining operations at Mt Pleasant.

I strongly object to this application for the following reasons:
1. The complex and unclear legal environment in which this project is to be assessed means it should be placed on hold. I refer in particular to the fact that NSW is not on track to meet the legislated emissions reduction targets of the NSW Climate Change Act. The NSW statutory body the Net Zero Commission in their Coal Mining Emissions Spotlight Report of December 2025 found that: “Finding 4: Continued extensions or expansions to coal mining in NSW are not consistent with the emissions reduction targets in the Climate Change Act or the Paris Agreement temperature goals it gives effect to.”
Also complicating the legal context is the finding the NSW Appeals Court in relation to the impact of the scope 3 emissions from the Mt Pleasant Optimisation Project on the local area. I am aware that this landmark case is the reason MACH is proposing this 6 year extension to the Mt Pleasant Operations project, and that the court decision has been appealed to the High Court.
A more recent report published by the UNSW Human Rights Institute deals with the legal significance of this case and the Net Zero Commission report in addition to Australia’s obligations under international law. (February 2026: Legal Obligations for environmental impact assessment in coal mining approvals in New South Wales).
I submit that because of this legal context any assessment of this project must be preceded by a detailed review of the state, federal and international legal requirements for the NSW government of this and any other proposed expansion or extension of coal mining.
2. In addition to issues there are also moral ones resulting from the project proposal to release millions of tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions when the state is already bearing the human, environmental and economic costs of climate related extreme weather events. MACH’s accounting for what they call the ‘’net benefit’’ of the project does not include its contribution to future climate related extreme weather events. In advocating against expanding coal mining in a climate emergency I call for intensive assistance from state and federal government for coal workers and communities during the inevitable transition from coal mining in the Hunter and other coal regions.
3. MACH Energy in their proposal claims that the project is “substantially the same development” as their Operations project but this is not the case because the proposal is to extract greater amounts of coal.
4. They further argue in different places, such as in relation to their use of water resources, that there will be “no material change”, as though all shall be well. Their use of water and damage to water resources for an additional six years they are proposing a very material and significant change in the use of ground and water resources, as well as risks of damage.
5. I object to the MACH Energy’s plan to destroy or damage a further 29 Aboriginal Cultural Heritage sites.

I call on you to reject this proposal or at the very least ensure that it is referred to the Independent Planning Commission.

This mine is not providing a modification as stated by them but is really asking for an extension of existing mining operations. It means more dust, more noise and less visual amenity. Pity us poor locals, I live in town and it's bad enough but for friends of mine and other people that live on the boundary of the mine, it can be described as catastrophic. How can a mine with a ruling of the High Court against it, even consider putting in for an extension of operations.

Mt Pleasant Modification 8 Coal Mine expansion in the Hunter Valley
I am writing to express my OBJECTION to the Mt Pleasant coal mine expansion in the Hunter Valley.
We must not extend or expand Coal Mining in NSW. The cost to the people of NSW, the Environment and Planet will be far greater than any short-term financial gain.
This expansion is not a modification. It is not “substantially the same development” as the one previously approved (DA 92/97) and calling it a “modification” avoids independent review. There's also a legal problem. Last year, the NSW Court of Appeal's landmark Denman Decision made clear that the local impacts of climate change that are fueled by mining and burning NSW coal must be considered by planning authorities. That decision is now being challenged before the High Court.
I think that deciding the mine expansion, at a time when this case is before the courts, is not good process. This project must go to the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) for proper assessment and not be waved.
This huge mine expansion will create 1.5 million tonnes of local greenhouse gas pollution in the next ten years in NSW and over 100 million tonnes in downstream emissions at a time when the NSW Government's own Net Zero Commission has said that continued extensions to coal mining in NSW are not consistent with our state's climate laws or the Paris Agreement.
Our state is not on track to meet its legislated 2030 or 2035 emissions reductions targets. The people of NSW are already suffering from the impacts of climate change, including in the Hunter region and adding further greenhouse pollution will do unacceptable harm to the public interest.
The people of NSW and Australia are already living with the consequences of worsening climate damage with extreme floods, fires, and heatwaves in the Hunter and across the state. Adding 100 million tonnes of climate pollution would increase climate related risk.
Approval would inflict harm on our people and our economy. The people of NSW are already dealing with increasing bills and escalating dangers from climate change fueling extreme weather.
As stated by the Climate Council 'The collective impact on global warming will severely impact the frequency of bush fires and extreme weather events as we move toward 2.6C.
Recent Disaster Costs: Following recent disasters (e.g., Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred), the Federal Government has indicated that total costs for national disaster support are expected to reach at least $13.5 billion, with $1.2 billion provisioned in the contingency reserve for future disaster recovery.
Long-Term Projection: Without strong action, climate-related damage is projected to cost the Australian economy $8.7 billion annually by 2050.
Adaptation Spending: Since 2022, the Federal Government has committed $3.6 billion to adaptation and resilience measures, including the $1 billion Disaster Ready Fund.
A report by the Federal Government states the cost of climate related disaster management is $7.1 Billion dollars.
The Insurance Council of Australia has recently warned that as more properties are being impacted or destroyed, more people are being displaced, and more assets become uninsurable. The return in royalties and taxes from expanding this coal mine or any other coal mine will not cover the consequential cost to the community, and State and Federal Governments in funding disaster relief efforts coursed by fossil fuel induced climate change.
The NSW Court of Appeal’s Denman Decision made it clear that the local impacts of climate change caused by the downstream greenhouse pollution from NSW coal must be considered by planning authorities. As this decision is now in the High Court, acceptance of this application will cause legal and practical confusion with environmental and social consequences for the area.
The expansion of this mine is in direct contradiction to the Government's own advice from the NSW Net Zero Commission in December of last year that “continued extensions or expansions to coal mining in NSW are not consistent” with NSW climate law nor with the Paris Agreement temperature goals.

The livelihood of many Hunter Valley residents, including myself and my family, is dependent on the ongoing operations of Mt Pleasant mine. As a resident of Muswellbrook for over 20 years and a 30-year veteran of the black coal mining industry, I am concerned that the cessation of Mt Pleasant Operations would result in significant job losses for myself and many of my colleagues. This would have a profound negative impact on our local community and economy.

Dear Madam/Sir,

I hereby lodge my submission to the Mount Pleasant Modification 8, Extension of Mine Life.

I OPPOSE the Mount Pleasant Modification 8 which extends the life of this mine.

MACH Energy has applied for Mod 8 - Extension of mine life, seeking approval to extend the life of Mt Pleasant Coal Mine by six more years out to 2032. This follows last year's landmark court decision on the same mine which made it clear that the impacts of greenhouse emissions must be considered in New South Wales coal mine approvals. That decision is now under appeal in the High Court. Because of this uncertainty, MACH Energy and the New South Wales Planning Department are progressing assessment of another expansion project at the same mine.

● This huge mine expansion will create 1.5 million tonnes of local greenhouse gas pollution in the next ten years in New South Wales and over a 100 million tonnes in downstream emissions at a time when our state is not on track to meet it’s legislated 2030 or 2035 emissions reductions targets. The people of New South Wales are already suffering the impacts of climate change, including in the Hunter region and adding further greenhouse pollution will do unacceptable harm to the public interest.

● The New South Wales Court of Appeal’s Denman Decision made it clear that the local impacts of climate change caused by the downstream greenhouse pollution from New South Wales coal have to be considered by planning authorities. As this decision is now in the High Court, acceptance of this application will cause legal and practical confusion with environmental and social consequences for the area. Reaching a decision on this mine expansion at a time when this case is before the courts is not good process.

● The expansion of this mine is in direct contradiction to the Government's own advice from the New South Wales Net Zero Commission in December of last year that “[c]ontinued extensions or expansions to coal mining in New South Wales are not consistent” with New South Wales climate law nor with the Paris Agreement temperature goals.

● Approval would inflict harm on our people and our economy. The people of New South Wales are already dealing with increasing bills and escalating dangers from climate change fuelled extreme weather.

● This expansion is not a modification. It is not “substantially the same development” as the one previously approved (DA 92/97) and calling it a “modification” avoids independent review. This project must go to the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) for proper assessment.

The New South Wales Department of Planning needs to hear that the community objects to this expansion, not while our state is already failing to meet it’s own emissions targets, and while the people in the Hunter Valley and beyond are already paying the price for decades of inaction on climate.

The summer of 2025/26 has ended. Australians suffered weeks of continuous heat over 40°C, destructive bushfires and flooding. With these ever-increasing effects of climate change on the country the Minns Government must actively denounce the extension of this project. Green energy generation and infrastructure must take precedence. The extraction and use of fossil fuels must be curtailed immediately. To divert from this necessary path forward would be irresponsible.

I thank you for this opportunity to express my opinions on this matter.

For the only planet we have.

Colleen Wysser - Martin

This submission is made in a personal capacity, based on a lifetime of experience encompassing tertiary degrees in science to PhD level, as a research scientist, Canberra-based national environmental advocate, and fulltime consultant to a former Federal Environment Minister, followed by more than 20 years as a principal of a successful environment & sustainability consultancy. That work included numerous threatened species and ecological community projects, submissions in response to ‘offsetting’ and consideration of the implications of climate change on the natural environment.

It is against this background that I was somewhat heartened by the NSW Government commitment to “upholding rigorous environmental standards” and “ensuring that all projects are assessed with due diligence and public accountability” (C Ritchie, Dept of Planning, Dec 2025).

I submit that the MACH Energy proposal to extend the life of the Mt Pleasant Coal Mine to 2032 should be refused and register my Objection to the proposed extension.

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
NSW is not on a pathway to meet its legislated 2030 or 2035 emissions reduction targets. To approve this application to extend the life of this mine will exacerbate this situation, as it would result in an additional 1.5million tonnes of greenhouse gases locally, along with more than 100 million tonnes of downstream emissions.
Already the NSW Court of Appeal, in its Denman decision, made it very clear that planning authorities must consider local impacts of climate change caused by downstream greenhouse emissions from mining and the burning of NSW coal. NSW residents are suffering serious adverse effects from climate change, including increased frequency and intensity of drought, flooding and bushfires. To add to these the substantial emissions that would result from the extension sought for the Mt Pleasant mine is simply not acceptable or consistent with the Denman decision.

CONTRARY TO EXPERT ADVICE
The proposed extension of the mine is inconsistent with expert advice and with existing NSW climate law as well as with goals within the Paris Agreement, as presented in the NSW Net Zero Commission.
Furthermore, as the most recent Policy Briefing from the expert group Emergency Leaders for Climate Action (ELCA, p.5) makes clear “New South Wales is the second most disaster-prone state in Australia and the burning of coal, oil and gas is making these disasters more dangerous”. ELCA (p.7) goes on to advise that “There is no plausible excuse for any government to approve new or extend existing coal, oil and gas projects, given their deadly, cumulative impacts”.

LEGAL STATUS OF THE MT PLEASANT APPLICATION
The application by MACH Energy to extend the life of the Mt Pleasant mine to 2032 is surely not a “modification”. It is not “substantially the same development” as the one previously approved (DA92/97). The extent and impact of the proposed changes are such that this should be considered a new application requiring a full and independent assessment by the Independent Planning Commission.

Submission by Dr Judy Lambert Pharm, BSc(Hons), PhD, GradDipEnvManag, GradDipBusinessAdmin
7 March 2026

I am writing to formally express my strong support for the extension of Mount Pleasant Operations (MPO). Over the years, MPO has distinguished itself not only as an efficient operation but as a vital hub for industry-leading research and environmental innovation. The site’s commitment to the research community is rare. Rather than treating academic or technical studies as a secondary concern, MPO has consistently demonstrated an "open-door" culture of collaboration. Their support is multifaceted, ranging from direct financial investment to providing the essential physical infrastructure required for complex, real-world trials.

The partnership with MPO has been instrumental in several key areas:
• Investment in innovation: Through the direct funding of various initiatives - including ACARP projects and Tailings to Topsoil investigations - MPO has proven to be a proactive stakeholder in the future of the Australian resources sector. Their support allows researchers to bridge the gap between theoretical modeling and tangible, sustainable solutions for mine rehabilitation and safety.
• Infrastructure for discovery: By hosting and funding critical equipment, such as long-term dust monitoring networks, the site provides a high-fidelity environment for data collection. This access is essential for developing predictive models that protect both the workforce and the broader community.
• Field scale research hub: MPO serves as a rigorous field-testing environment for emerging technologies, including remote, solar-powered monitoring systems. The ability to ground-truth findings against full-scale operational conditions is an invaluable asset for any researcher, ensuring that results are practically actionable and robust.

From a research perspective, an extension is of immense benefit. It provides the longitudinal stability required to maintain the integrity of long-term research projects and allows for the continued validation of technologies in a high-stress, real-world context. The culture of collaborative innovation at MPO is an industry benchmark. Their willingness to invest in the science behind mining ensures that the industry continues to evolve toward safer and more sustainable practices. I look forward to the opportunity to build upon the significant progress we have made together.

The proposed extension represents a critical opportunity to transition these years of successful groundwork into a truly long-term, multi-decade partnership, ensuring that MPO remains a cornerstone of Australian mining innovation for years to come.

I strongly object to the project on many fronts. Mach energy/ thiess continually has no regard for the local community and environment. The degradation in air quality from the minimal controls that are in place and are not adhered too that constantly see our beautiful valley covered In A layer of dust that bellows from the site polluting our rain water. Compromising my children’s and my own health we have a black layer of dust that builds up on our window sills and verandah , my water filter looks like it’s been in the dam , we have been gassed out of our home on numerous occasions due to blast
Fumes from blast that have been let off when conditions were not correct but production took the pedestal this lack of care for our environment and community is appalling , the destruction of the local community many homes. All around the perimeter of the site have been demolished. Their attitude is to remove anyone who may hold them accountable to follow the controls they allegedly have Inplace , we have already seen enough weather system modification take place here In The upper hunter with the regular storms we got when I was a child coming from Denman corner. No longer
Get past the. Man made Sahara desserts we have built in mt Arthur coal bengalla and mt pleasant , the degradation of our aquifers from mining into them that drains them and contaminated them , the huge amounts of sediment that ends up in our creeks and rivers from the dust
Blanket leaving site , Muswellbrook was named after the prolific amounts of freshwater mussels
In muscle Ck. No we have none. All for a
Foreign company. To benefit. I think enough damage has been done to our local environment and on this front I strongly object to this modification