BY JESSICA ROUSE
The NSW Government has approved BHP’s Mt Arthur coal mine to extend mining for an additional four years.
It means mining can continue until the planned closure in 2030, with the extension for July 2026 to June 2030.
In addition to the approval, the company has also announced a partnership with ACCIONA Energia to explore the development of a pumped hydro energy storage project at the site, as well as a $30 million community fund to help support the community in the lead up to the closure and beyond.
“In 2022, following an extensive review of options including divestment, BHP announced our plan to cease mining at Mt Arthur in 2030,” said BHP President Australia Geraldine Slattery.
“Mt Arthur Coal sits on more than 7,000 hectares and we are working hard to explore alternative land uses for the site that will continue to support jobs, investment in the region, and the local economy.
“The community have told us they want to see Mt Arthur repurposed when mining ends. This study will examine the role pumped hydro at the Mt Arthur site could play in the region’s future.”
Over the next 12 months, ACCIONA Energia will carry out due diligence on the possibility of converting part of the Mt Arthur site into a pumped hydro energy project.
