Parents worry kids will inherit climate impact of coal mine extension

Parents for Climate has expressed deep concern over the environmental consequences children will face if a 19-year extension for the Hunter Valley Operations coal mine is approved. The Independent Planning Commission is set to make a decision by early September on the Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) Continuation Project. This proposed expansion would let the mine continue operations near Singleton, Upper Hunter, until the end of 2045.

The extension would permit an additional 429 million tonnes of coal to be extracted, leading to 809 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Nic Seton, CEO of Parents for Climate, admitted to being terrified by the prospect. He lamented that his primary school-aged children have already experienced climate change impacts, such as evacuations and hospital visits due to bushfire smoke. Seton emphasized that many other parents nationwide share his worries about the future society, economy, and environment for their children.

HVO's CEO acknowledged that about 98% of the project's emissions would be indirect, or Scope 3 emissions, resulting from overseas buyers burning coal to produce electricity. Seton argued that the environmental impact remains significant, regardless of the source of burning, as pollution leads to extreme weather events, higher costs, supply chain disruptions, and food security issues.

Chris Bateman, a shift supervisor at HVO, voiced a contrasting perspective. The mine employs over 1,500 workers and engages nearly 800 suppliers. For Bateman, a rejection by the IPC would have a different social cost, as HVO is an integral part of the Hunter Valley community. It provides employment opportunities and apprenticeship programs, along with the community feeling of being close to home.

Bateman noted that HVO meets less than 1% of NSW's annual emissions and operates under heavy environmental regulations. He insisted that the mine only becomes more vested in the community and committed to doing things right. However, Seton maintained that approving coal mine extensions places an unfair burden on future generations.