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Stop Expanding Coal Mining in NSW
Stop Expanding Coal Mining in NSW
In addition to the production of greenhouse gases when the coal is burnt, mines release fugitive methane gas, pollute the water and air nearby (and not-so-near) and threaten native flora and fauna.
What is this campaign about?
What is this campaign about?
IIn 2025, NSW is facing at least 18 proposals to expand existing coal mines. Together these projects:
add to local pollution, as fugitive methane gas enters the atmosphere
are threats to water, air, agriculture, and native plants and animals affected by land clearing
would add over 2 Gigatonnes (2 billion tonnes CO2 equivalent) of greenhouse gases – most when the coal is burnt, much of it overseas.
Many of the operations are owned by foreign companies, and are seeking a licence to mine for decades ahead.
We are calling on the NSW government to scrap pro-coal policies that facilitate mine expansions, and put communities and climate first.
Where do we even start?
Where do we even start?
The map shows the main areas where expansions are proposed:
Climate Change Balmain-Rozelle (CCBR) is currently focusing on Moolarben, in the Mudgee area, which in 2024 was NSW's largest producing coal mine.
Already the mine is approved to extract coal until 2038 (!) but Chinese owner Yancoal wants to extend its OC[Open Cut]3 sector to clear another 113 hectares, and take another 30 million tonnes of coal.
This extra coal would generate 87 million tonnes of lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions.
Where is the Moolarben mine?
Where is the Moolarben mine?
North of Mudgee, the Moolarben mine is surrounded on three sides by Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, and the extended mine would push along Moolarben Creek to the boundaries of the Reserve.
The area is important habitat for endangered species such as the Regent Honeyeater – and particularly the Koala, as a resilient population of healthy animals breed in the Moolarben Creek Valley. Coal operator Yancoal admits the Moolarben Mine expansion poses a threat to habitat “critical to the survival” of a local koala population.
What can I do to stop the Moolarben Open Cut 3 expansion?
What can I do to stop the Moolarben Open Cut 3 expansion?
In late 2025, the project will be referred to the Independent Planning Commission so that the public can have a say. The Commission has the power to reject the project or to set conditions. Groups and individuals all around NSW, will be urging the Commission to REJECT the proposal.
Don't get mad - get writing!
Adding your voice to the chorus is easy – to be notified as soon as the Independent Planning Commission announces the date for submissions, please email Climate Change Balmain-Rozelle (CCBR) now with the heading Moolarben sub.
Include your full name, email and SMS.
Your submission can be as short as a paragraph or as long as you like.
CCBR will also be holding a Saturday afternoon workshop on September 27 on how to write a submission. Email ccbalroz@gmail.com now and check our home page calendar for confirmation of the venue.
What else you can do
What else you can do
Subscribe to CCBR e-newsletter for updates on this campaign
Join CCBR so that, through the ccbr-forum, we can keep you in touch with actions and opportunities for letter and submission writing.
Speak to a CCBR committee member about joining the Coal Working Group, open to members of CCBR.
What else is CCBR doing about NSW coal mine expansions?
What else is CCBR doing about NSW coal mine expansions?
See our recent Submissions to the NSW Department of Planning on coal mine projects.
CCBR, as part of the Lock the Gate Alliance, is advocating for the NSW government to:
● refer any coal mine expansion proposals to the Independent Planning Commission, as promised by the Labor Party before the 2023 election
● ensure by setting clear criteria that applications to expand mines are not classed as “modifications” to avoid scrutiny by the Independent Planning Commission
● reform the Strategic Statement on Coal, a policy document negotiated by John Barilaro's National Party in 2022, which is hindering fair assessment of coal mining impacts
● acknowledge that expanding coal production is inconsistent with the government's own Climate Change (Net Zero Futures) Act 2023, which recognises that "action is urgently required" and commits to reducing NSW greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2035.
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