BHP’s Mt Arthur Coal and neighbouring Malabar Maxwell Underground site will be working together to provide a tailings solution for Mt Arthur, and the potential for mine expansion at Maxwell Underground.
Mt Arthur Coal has received approval to place a portion of tailings in an existing mine void at Malabar’s underground site. The move will eliminate the need for a tailings dam lift at Mt Arthur and instead provides for a below-ground tailings storage solution.
Malabar will accept the tailings from Mt Arthur Coal from 2026 until the open-cut operations close in 2030.
Around 3,700 hectares of land will be transferred to Malabar in the process which provides them with the option of seeking further value from their existing underground operations.
BHP NSW Energy Coal Vice President Liz Watts said it’s one of several steps they’re taking to ensure the site has a strong future.
“Our committment is clear, we want to focus on environmental, economic and social outcomes in mine cosure, to help set the region up for long-term success, and deliver a positive legacy from BHP mining in the Hunter Valley,” she said.
The tailings will be safely deposited in the Maxwell East Void delivering significant environmental benefits and improving rehabilitation outcomes. The geology at Maxwell North is very similar to Maxwell and could be developed as a comparable sized operation.
Maxwell North could create more than 300 long-term direct jobs, with many more indirect roles across the Hunter.
“With 98% of our team based in the Upper Hunter, we’re proud to further invest in the region through Maxwell North and strengthen our commitment to the community we call home,” said Wayne Seabrook, Executive Chairman, Malabar Resources.
Malabar said the existing agricultural tenants on the land earmarked for the transer will continue their operations uninterrupted.
