I support Modification 8 for the Mount Pleasant Operation because it is critical to sustaining jobs and economic stability in the Hunter Valley at a time when other major mining projects are winding down. The extension will help secure employment for hundreds of workers at Mount Pleasant and support many more jobs across contractors, suppliers, and local businesses that rely on ongoing operations. Continuing mining at Mount Pleasant will provide long‑term certainty for local families and deliver ongoing social and economic benefits to the regional community.

This project supports a strong and skilled workforce, sustaining more than 700 direct jobs and providing significant economic benefit to the local community and broader region.

Should developments such as this not proceed, market demand for coal will continue to be met by alternative operations, potentially in jurisdictions with lower regulatory oversight and environmental standards.

Continuing mining operations at MPO ensures that coal production is undertaken within a highly regulated Australian framework, applying best-practice environmental management, rigorous safety standards, and strong ethical governance. Maintaining approval for this project supports responsible resource development while delivering enduring economic and social benefits to the region.

I work for Thiess who is a mining contractor on site.
Thiess employees more than 700 on site with most of these employees being residents in the Hunter Valley.
This project provides a vital lifeline to the Hunter Valley, particularly as other projects wind down and scale back, delivering over 1,000 local jobs and providing certainty for many residents and the many local contractors, suppliers and businesses that rely on supplying operations such as Mount Pleasant.
Thiess has been involved with MPO since 2017 and in that time has spent many millions of dollars as well providing significant financial and in-kind support to local community organisations.
I support this extension.

To whom it may concern,
I am writing to express my strong support for the continued operations of the Mt Pleasant coal mine and to highlight its critical importance to local employment, regional stability, and the broader Hunter Valley community. As industries across Australia face increasing uncertainty and as regional communities work to secure sustainable futures, the ongoing operation of Mt Pleasant represents not only a source of economic strength but a cornerstone of social wellbeing for thousands of individuals and their families.
The Hunter Valley has a long and proud history deeply intertwined with the resources sector. For decades, coal mining has shaped the region’s identity, infrastructure, and opportunities. Mt Pleasant, in particular, has become a key contributor to this legacy by providing secure, well‑paid employment to a workforce drawn from Muswellbrook, Singleton, Aberdeen, Scone, and surrounding areas. At a time when job security remains a pressing concern for many Australians, the continuity of operations at Mt Pleasant protects livelihoods that would otherwise be at serious risk.
Employment at Mt Pleasant extends far beyond the employees who work on‑site. The mine directly employs hundreds of workers across operations, maintenance, engineering, technical services, training, and administration. These are highly skilled positions that support career progression, apprenticeships, and long‑term professional development. In addition to this direct workforce, thousands more across the region rely on the mine’s operations through contracting, supply chains, transport, equipment hire, fabrication, and various service industries. The economic multiplier effect of a major mine such as Mt Pleasant is substantial; every secure job on-site supports multiple additional jobs throughout the community.
The social impact of these jobs cannot be overstated. For many families, stable employment in the mining sector provides the ability to live, work, and raise children in regional New South Wales without being forced to relocate or travel long distances in search of opportunities. The continued operation of Mt Pleasant means that local residents can remain active contributors to their towns, sporting clubs, volunteer organisations, schools, and community life. The value of this stability extends well beyond economics—it is the foundation of strong, healthy communities.
In addition to generating employment, Mt Pleasant plays a vital role in supporting community programs, education initiatives, and local infrastructure. The mine has consistently invested in the region through sponsorships, grants, partnerships, and direct contributions to community organisations. These investments help strengthen the social fabric of the Upper Hunter by funding essential services, supporting youth programs, enhancing educational outcomes, and empowering local groups that rely on corporate partnerships to continue delivering community benefits. Without the ongoing presence of Mt Pleasant, many of these programs would be at risk of losing crucial financial support.
Furthermore, Mt Pleasant has demonstrated a strong commitment to responsible environmental management and progressive rehabilitation practices. The mine operates under strict regulatory frameworks and continuously works to implement modern technologies and best‑practice environmental safeguards. As Australia transitions towards a more diverse energy landscape, it is essential that existing mining operations—those that operate responsibly, transparently, and in accordance with community expectations—are supported to continue providing a secure energy supply while maintaining high environmental and safety standards. Mt Pleasant is an example of how mining can be conducted responsibly while delivering broad community and economic benefits.
The coal produced at Mt Pleasant also plays a significant role in supporting the national and international energy market, contributing to energy security during a time of global volatility. While Australia continues its long‑term transition towards renewable energy sources, coal remains an essential part of the current energy mix—supporting manufacturing, steel production, and electricity generation both domestically and across Asia. Prematurely reducing or removing this supply before alternative industries are fully established would have far‑reaching consequences for regional employment and the broader economy.
It is also important to acknowledge that the transition to new industries—such as renewables, hydrogen, and advanced manufacturing—cannot occur overnight, nor can it occur without sustained economic support from existing industries. The revenue generated from responsible mining operations continues to fund government services, infrastructure, and regional development projects across New South Wales. Ensuring Mt Pleasant remains operational allows the region to maintain economic resilience while preparing for future diversification.
For the Upper Hunter, the mine’s continued operation is not simply about maintaining the status quo—it is about ensuring that communities have the time, resources, and stability required to adapt successfully to future changes. A strong, secure, and well-supported workforce is essential for regional communities to thrive during periods of economic transition. The livelihoods and wellbeing of local families depend on stable employment opportunities like those provided by Mt Pleasant.
For these reasons, I strongly advocate for the continued operation of the Mt Pleasant mine and acknowledge the vital contribution it makes to the Hunter Valley and to New South Wales more broadly. It remains a cornerstone of employment, community strength, and regional economic stability. Ensuring its future is not merely a matter of supporting a single industry—it is about safeguarding the wellbeing and future prosperity of the communities that depend on it.
Thank you for considering this letter of support.
Sincerely,
Daniel Chapman

I am writing to express my support for the Mount Pleasant Optimisation Project – Modification 8. I am currently employed as a Mining Engineer at the Mount Pleasant Operation and have direct experience with the site’s operational standards, safety culture, and environmental management practices.

From my experience working on site, the operation is managed to a high standard with strong systems in place for environmental compliance, rehabilitation, and community engagement. The proposed modification represents a continuation of responsible resource development that supports regional employment, local businesses, and the broader Upper Hunter economy.

The Mount Pleasant Operation provides significant economic and social benefits to the region while operating within a robust regulatory framework. Based on my professional experience at the site, I believe the proposed modification can be implemented responsibly while maintaining the operational and environmental standards expected of modern mining operations in New South Wales.

For these reasons, I support the approval of Modification 8.

Please see my objection as an attachment.

Myself and my children work at Mount pleasant Operations and have since the start of the project, i have lived and worked within the hunter valley mining community for the past 25 years and have seen and been involved in the support the mining companies have given back to the community. Mount Pleasant has provided the opportunities for my children to be able to purchase their homes where they raise our grandchildren, provide financial stability, job security, training and development opportunities, community benefits, our life style and best of all allowing us to live locally around our families. Mount Pleasant brings endless benefits to the future of not only Muswellbrook but all surrounding towns within the Hunter region as it provides work for other companies inturn supporting their families and lifestyles. For Mount Pleasant to remain operating at a time that other mines are winding down, it gives hope to the workers and their families who are looking to continue their carer in mining a future. For Mount Pleasant Operation to continue it would guaranty the future for myself , my children, grandchildren and family in a time when the future of work within our region is slowly diminishing.