Underground mine great addition to the hunter coal industry, more environmentally friendly and lots of jobs for underground workers

I object to the proposed changes in M4-M5 Link, Mod 2. Please consider my submission, attached below.

11th September 2019
Director – Coal and Quarry Assessments
Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
GPO Box 39
Sydney, NSW 2001

RE: Support for Dendrobium Mine Extension Project (SSD-8194)

Nexus Mining makes this submission in support of the Dendrobium Mine Extension Project and South32 Illawarra Coal.
Our company owners have a collective 45 years of experience in underground mining across various resources and regions. We work closely with other mining companies across a range of areas, including matters of operational safety, efficiency and regulatory adherence. These areas of expertise and years of experience make us well equipped to identify mining companies who are genuinely competent and committed to maximising their operation without compromising on their commitment to safety and environmental compliance. Whist we are not in a position to comment specifically on the assessment of the environmental factors, we would not endorse a company that doesn’t match our own high standards and core business values.
Additionally, our support for the project is informed by a number of factors:
1) Dendrobium Mine currently supports hundreds of local jobs and Nexus understands that the continuation of the mine in accordance with the planned extension will create even more direct employment opportunities.
2) Beyond its capacity to directly supply jobs, the mine utilises many local services and suppliers as part of its operations. This injects money into the local economy indirectly.
3) South32 Illawarra Coal is the primary supplier of metallurgical coal to Bluescope’s Port Kembla Steelworks, making it key to the economic viability of domestic steel manufacture in the Illawarra.
A decision not to grant approval for the Dendrobium Mine Extension would have far-reaching and wide-ranging consequences. The impacts would extend beyond the business interests of South32 Illawarra and Bluescope, having a demonstrable negative impact on businesses throughout the Illawarra. As a flow-on effect of these economic impacts, local communities would also suffer due to higher unemployment and financial strain.
Mining has a long history in the Illawarra, supplying both domestic and international customers with some of the highest quality metallurgical coal in the world. This is a reason to be proud, as well as an opportunity for the region to continue to grow and prosper. Mining has played a large part in creating the dynamic, vibrant and thriving Illawarra region that exists today. Approval of the Dendrobium Mine Extension Project will ensure that the benefits of mining continue to contribute to a secure and prosperous future for the area.
Yours Sincerely,
Killian Grennell
General Manager