One of New South Wales’ biggest coal mines has received a last-minute reprieve from the state government, just two months ahead of its planned closure.
Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) North, located between Singleton and Muswellbrook, was set to see its mining approvals expire at the end of June.
However, the mine—operated as a joint venture between Yancoal and Glencore—has now been granted an 18-month extension as it continues to seek approval to keep mining through to 2050.
Dave Foster, General Manager of HVO, emphasized that this short-term extension was vital, with over 1,500 jobs on the line.
“This extension was essential to safeguard our workforce and provide certainty to our contractors, local partners, and the businesses in the region that depend on us,” he stated.
Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell echoed Foster’s sentiment.
“This period has been incredibly stressful for the workers involved,” Layzell said.
“When you consider that each worker supports a family, the significance of this extension becomes even clearer. It’s one of the most vital mines in the Hunter Valley—it’s an obvious decision to extend its life.”
On the other hand, local environmental group Rising Tide criticized the move, saying it delays much-needed progress toward renewable energy.
Organiser Alexa Stuart expressed disappointment at the announcement.
“This outcome reflects a lack of government foresight, putting the Hunter in a difficult position,” she said. “We’re forced to choose between laying off 1,500 workers or extending mining operations that will release even more greenhouse gas emissions—something we can’t afford during a climate crisis.”
The NSW Planning Department responded in a statement, saying that the social and environmental effects could be effectively managed.
“The modification offers a number of advantages for the region and the broader state, including revenue from royalties and taxes, as well as the continuation of employment for roughly 1,500 full-time workers,” the department noted.
The extension application was submitted in October 2024, following years of discussions regarding HVO’s larger strategy to continue mining at HVO South until 2045 and at HVO North until 2050. These plans remain active.
“Our long-term HVO Continuation Project has faced delays due to the NSW Government’s request for additional data as part of their evaluation,” Foster said.
“We’re currently conducting further modeling and mine planning to meet those requirements.”
“The project is now in its fifth year of the approval process. We’ve consistently called for clearer and more coordinated regulations between the state and federal governments to avoid duplication and unintended consequences, especially with over 1,500 jobs at risk in the Hunter.”
