WHITEHAVEN Coal has begun the process of seeking to extend its underground mine near Narrabri, despite the fact the mine's exploration licence is still suspended.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The proposal would see coal extracted to the south of the current mine via the underground longwall mining method already being used.
If approved, it would extend the lifetime of the mine from 2031 to 2045.
Whitehaven has requested a Secretary's Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) from the state government, which will outline what studies the mining company must carry out.
The Leader understands the mining company has already begun a number of studies in preparation for the next step, the Environmental Impact Study (EIS).
In August, the state's mining watchdog suspended the mine's exploration licence for building unauthorised tracks in the Pilliga Forest.
Resources Regulator said the mine's actions showed a "comprehensive failure" to follow "fundamental regulatory obligations".
READ MORE
- Water watchdog investigating Whitehaven pipeline taking water from farm to mine
- 'Whitehaven's pipeline is piping around the state planning law'
- Whitehaven's groundwater investigated use after farmers' bores run dry
- Maules Creek coal mine taking water illegally, water watchdog alleges
- Whitehaven CEO Paul Flynn earns more in a year than company's
- State govt kept Maules Creek farmers in the dark about Whitehaven's water data problems
- Mining watchdog suspends Narrabri Coal's exploration licence
Jamieson Murphy
Newcastle Herald news director. Interested in any and all yarns. Whisper g'day mate to me at jamieson.murphy@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Newcastle Herald news director. Interested in any and all yarns. Whisper g'day mate to me at jamieson.murphy@austcommunitymedia.com.au
