New South Wales’ Independent Planning Commission (IPC) has approved Delta Power & Energy’s Chain Valley Colliery Consolidation Project, 60km south of Newcastle.
Delta will extend its mine lifespan by two years to 31 December 2029 and allow up to 2.8 million tonnes (Mt) of coal to be extracted per annum. Existing development consents for both the Chain Valley Colliery and Mannering Colliery will also be combined.
Although production capacity will be 12.5% lower than the currently approved 3.2 Mt, the extended mine life will eventually increase approved maximum production by up to 5.6 Mt, according to the company’s assessment report.
Work will use existing conveyors, ventilation shafts, fans, crushers, administration, water management infrastructure, and a 330-strong full-time workforce. Minor upgrades will be made to water management infrastructure, boreholes within the pit top area, and temporary stockpile areas.
“The commission finds that the project should be approved because it will secure coal supply to Vales Point Power Station, thereby supporting reliable baseload electricity during NSW’s transition to renewable energy sources,” the IPC said in its statement of reasons.
“After weighing the public interest, environmental impacts, and ecologically sustainable development principles, the commission concludes that a two‑year extension is justified and is consistent with NSW’s decarbonisation pathway.”
Delta Power & Energy is a major energy producer with assets mainly on the Central Coast.
Write to Richard Szabo at Mining.com.au
Images: Delta Power and Energy
