My employer

Need this submission for job security and for our futures to support my family

The project is important to the community providing jobs and boosting the economy

Coal mining, while often associated with environmental concerns, can have some positive aspects, especially when considering economic and community factors. Here are a few points highlighting the positive aspects of coal mining:

Economic Contributions: Coal mining can significantly contribute to local and national economies by providing jobs and supporting local businesses. It can be a vital source of income for communities that depend on the industry.
Energy Production: Coal is a major source of energy globally, providing a stable and reliable power supply. It plays a crucial role in electricity generation, particularly in regions where alternative energy sources may not yet be viable.
Technological Advancements: The coal industry has seen advancements in technology that improve safety and efficiency. Innovations in mining techniques and equipment can lead to reduced environmental impacts and improved worker safety.
Community Development: Mining companies often invest in community development projects, including infrastructure, education, and health services. This can lead to improved living conditions and opportunities for local residents.
Resource for Industry: Coal is not only used for energy but also as a raw material in various industries, including steel production. Its availability can support industrial growth and development.
Job Creation: The coal mining sector provides numerous jobs, from mining engineers to truck drivers, contributing to workforce development and vocational training opportunities.

The financial support that HVO provides to the local economy is substantial and would impact/harm should the project close

This project is keeping local jobs

The continuation of this project will support my family and many others into the future. It will also ensure Singleton and surrounding towns grow and benefit.

Please accept this as my objection to Glencore and the HVO Continuation Project. I really think that we as a nation need to lead the world by example. The planet cannot cope with even more coal or gas.

A decision by the NSW Court of Appeal on the Mt Pleasant coal mine expansion found that the full contribution of downstream emissions (Scope 3) to climate change from a coal mine must be assessed, even if the fuel is burnt overseas. That the full environmental, social and economic impacts of climate change on a locality must be considered in making a decision on a project.  This should include costs like rising insurance premiums and increasing costs of repairing roads and infrastructure after extreme weather, which we are experience more frequently in recent years. The Hunter Valley Operations revised assessment specifically excludes consideration of downstream emissions in its economic assessment, and as a result it drastically underestimates the negative economic impacts of the project. As such, the revised assessment should be withdrawn and the full assessment required by the Court of Appeal must be undertaken for the project and it should then be put on public exhibition again.

This is a huge project and the biggest ever coal mine considered in New South Wales. This coal mine expansion would add 803 million tonnes of lifecycle greenhouse gas pollution to the atmosphere between now and 2045.  That equates to 7 times the total annual emissions from all sources in New South Wales. Considering just direct emissions from the project, caused by releasing methane from the coal seam and from diesel used in operating the mine, will make a huge contribution to NSW emissions and make it even more difficult for NSW to meet climate targets.  

The NSW Large Emitters Guide states that coal mines should be on the same emissions reduction trajectory as NSW which is to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 and 70% by 2035.However this expansion does the opposite and will result in huge increases in direct emissions. The expansion will double methane emissions compared to the existing mine (as at FY24) and then remain at elevated levels until 2042. 

This proposed expansion will have devastating impacts on land and water in the Hunter Valley. The HVO mine complex straddles the Hunter River and the expansion intends to mine directly into strategic agricultural land and the River’s alluvial aquifer. This poses great risks to groundwater levels which is already affecting the Hunter River’s alluvial aquifer by half a metre. However it is not only the Hunter River but also Wollombi Brook alluvium will be up to 2 metres lower and this effect will remain long after mining ceases. We must also take into consideration water quality for residents in the Hunter region and farmers. Glencore and Yancoal should be cleaning up the huge HVO site and investing in long-term environmental remediation.

I ask for the decision to be made in the public interest rather than for short term private corporate gain.

Project protects thousands of jobs

HVO in the Hunter Valley has a track record of environmentally responsible operations that have overall benefited the local community and NSW economy for over 50 years. It was some of the first open cut coal mined in the Hunter Valley, and given the quality of the HVO coal, it should be the last coal mined in 2050.