Hundreds of jobs saved as coal mine granted six-year lifeline
MACH Energy's Mount Pleasant mine has been given an approval extension just four months before it was due to close.
The Mount Pleasant Coal Mine in the Hunter Valley has been granted a six-year extension by the state government, just four months before its original expiration date. The mine, owned by MACH Energy, had been scheduled to close at the end of this year. The extension allows them to continue operations while they battle a High Court challenge over a proposed 22-year expansion.
The extension permits the mine to increase its extraction rate from 10.5 to 12.5 million tonnes of coal per year. Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell emphasized the importance of the extension for maintaining jobs and stability for those affected, highlighting the psychological impact of constant threats to employment.
The mine's owner, MACH Energy, applied for the six-year extension after a legal challenge from the Denman Aberdeen Muswellbrook Scone Healthy Environment Group halted plans for the longer extension. The mine had previously been approved for a 22-year extension to 2048, but this was later invalidated by the Denman Aberdeen Muswellbrook Scone Healthy Environment Group in the New South Wales Court of Appeal due to concerns over environmental and climate impacts.
MACH Energy sought special leave to appeal the High Court ruling and requested the six-year extension to keep operations going during the legal uncertainty. Environmental group DAMSHEG president Wendy Wales expressed devastation at the approval, arguing that it pre-empts the High Court's decision and allows for continued mining despite the pending judgment.
MACH Energy stated it is actively pursuing all options to ensure the project's long-term viability and continuity for its staff, contractors, customers, and the local community.
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