The New South Wales Government’s approval of a new Development Consent that will allow the Bengalla mine to continue production through until 2038 has been welcomed by Wesfarmers Resources.
Wesfarmers Resources Managing Director Stewart Butel said the approval secured the long term future for the mine and its workforce.
“This is very good news for the workforce of 400, their families and the local community,” Mr Butel said.
“We have been an integral part of the Muswellbrook community since operations began 16 years ago and we look forward to continuing this into the future.
“Importantly our future operations at the mine will move further away from Muswellbrook on land already owned by Bengalla and Coal & Allied.
“We acknowledge that the approval comes with comprehensive conditions and we are committed to continuing to work closely with the community and upholding our high standards of environmental management.”
The new Development Consent allows for a potential future increase in employment figures, should a decision be made to expand production to the maximum approved limit of 15 million Run of Mine (ROM) tonnes a year.
Wesfarmers has a 40 per cent interest in the Bengalla mine, near Muswellbrook in New South Wales, which produces steaming coal for export markets. The operation is managed by Coal & Allied, part of Rio Tinto Coal Australia.
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