The Mount Pleasant Operation - Mod 8 is crucial not only to the site and its direct workforce but to the wider community and industry. I have lived and worked in the Muswellbrook and Upper Hunter region for the last six years as a journalist and have seen and experienced how vital all the mine sites, including Mt Pleasant are to the region.
Of course, it's the direct jobs with over 1,000 jobs to be delivered if the full Mod 8 is realised and the current workforce of local families and residents who rely on their employment. It's also indirect employment from suppliers, to contractors and the local business employment at coffee shops, the supermarket, petrol station, hairdresser and everywhere else the mine and its employees spend their money.
There are also many community groups that will feel the loss of Mount Pleasant if the Mod isn't approved - MACH Energy has provided over $2 million in support to local schools, sporting clubs and community organisations to date. That sort of money doesn't materialise overnight for the community groups who have been thankful to receive it.
If this modification doesn't go through, the community will feel the loss of the direct spend, the employees and everything else mentioned above, possibly by the end of 2026 given the SSD 101418 that is currently in the courts.
Therefore I unreservedly support this project.

I am a local service provider engaged on contracts associated with Mount Pleasant. The continuation of this operation directly supports my small business and, in turn, my household, including my wife and two children. The income generated through this work flows into our mortgage, local spending and reinvestment back into equipment and services within the Hunter region.

Mount Pleasant does not only support direct employees. It underpins a wide network of contractors, suppliers and small businesses who rely on the stability of ongoing operations. For service providers like myself, certainty around approvals is critical. It allows us to plan ahead, invest confidently, maintain compliance, and retain skilled capability. Without that certainty, small businesses face significant financial and operational pressure.

The project provides meaningful economic benefit to the region, both through direct employment and through the extended supply chain. From my experience, many local families rely on the continuity of this operation.

I strongly support the continued operation of Mount Pleasant under MOD 8 and the certainty it provides to workers, contractors and the broader Hunter community.

Mt Pleasant Operation provides jobs for a large number of community members. Its continuing operation and potential expansion is of key importance to the economic future of the region.

Mach energy contributes to local events and help the town to thrive

I support the extension as a means of boosting employment and economic activity in the Muswellbrook and Upper Hunter regions .
With other mines in the area scheduled to close the impact on the region would be catastrophic , It would add to significant job loss , compond the effects of the already high cost of living crisis and have a negative impact on the property market .

No issues with the project. Appreciate the community support that Mt Pleasant Operations provides.

On behalf of Breathalyser Sales & Service Pty Ltd, we fully support MACH Energy's 'Modification 8' extension.

'Modification 8' will allow Mount Pleasant Operations to continue operating while the challenge to SSD 10418 goes through the legal system. Without this approval, Mount Pleasant's Operations could wrap up in December 2026.

'Modification 8' will:
• Extend Mount Pleasant Operations to run through to December 2032;
• Keep over 700 direct FTE employees working, of which 70% live locally;
• Continue supporting the local Indigenous community through direct employment (5% of employees), contribution to the Aboriginal Cultural Development Fund ($8.4 million to date) and a partnership with Blackrock Industries, a local 100% Indigenous owned service company;
• Supply of approximately 18% of NSW’s expected domestic coal demand in 2026 (with access to supply Eraring, Vales Point and Bayswater Power Stations), and
• Make continued royalty payments, which are already over $650 million just from the Mount Pleasant Operations.

The proposed extension will continue mining operations in the already approved area, using existing facilities on-site.

Extending MACH Energy's operations is also critical for NSW energy supply.

If approved, the MACH Energy extension will help keep reliable and affordable coal supply to Eraring, Vales Point and Bayswater Power Stations, contributing energy security and affordability in NSW.

Mount Pleasant is also a significant employer in the Muswellbrook community.

Amidst a changing local economy with Mt Arthur and Mangoola closing in the coming years, Mount Pleasant is more important locally than ever. This is an important project for NSW's energy security and maintaining our state's strong coal export market, and should be supported.

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As well as providing supporting my family and a number of my associates and friends, Mining underpins the NSW economy.

My family and I rely on the continuation and employment of MPO. Any uncertainty in the operation will result in the Muswellbrook and surrounding communities to experience a downturn in spending due to lack of confidence. This will have a knock on affect through many companies and households. Job security for the seeable future is a must.