MOD 10 - Coal Transport and Processing

At a time when we need to drastically reduce our coal use, no mine should have any of their operations expanded. This is in the interest of the whole community on health, safety, environmental and economic grounds.

Should the modification be approved, additional conditions should be made to improve the project.

I object to using the Emplacement area at West Clife Collery.
This limited space was a pristine gulley containing threatened plants and fauna before its approval as an emplacement area for South 32 mining works. Therefore, it should only be used for that and not for any other mining company. The Dendrobium Mine only has limited use as future longwalls were rejected, which doesn't allow the company to open the emplacement area to the highest bidder.
Companies that get approval to place waste material back underground must face the consequences if they can't meet this approval condition. The trail of returning waste material underground for where it should go is not new but, as we all know, has been around for years. Their workings would have calculated this cost before the longwalls were approved.
I note that the current dumping fee at the West Clife Enplacment is $16. 90, as in the commercial area, the actual cost is between $70 to $400 per ton, depending on where you go. With mining companies not paying the correct price to dump, the proper placement of this waste will never happen. This is an example of how it is far cheaper to dump it at West Clife than to put it back underground.

Coal is Australia’s and NSW’s most valuable export.
Our national, state and local economies rely heavily on coal mining which provides multiple benefits for all Australians.
The modification will generate a net economic benefit for NSW and for the Illawarra local community.
Coking coal from coal mines in the Southern Coalfield has ideal qualities for steel production and it has fewer impurities, such as sulphur and phosphorus, than coal from countries in Asia.
The federal government’s ABS tables of multiplier effects show that more than three times as many indirect jobs are created for every person directly employed in a coal mine.
Australia and NSW need to focus on the positive aspects of coal mining and its many benefits so as not be distracted by ideologically driven anti-mining activists. Everyone should be proud of what coal mining is doing for NSW and Australia.
It is vital that high quality metallurgical (coking) coal is produced locally to supply the Bluescope steel works and overseas industries. Local coal production minimises transport costs and ensures that high quality coke is produced. This assists Australia to maintain its competitive advantage compared with overseas producers.
The report submitted demonstrates its comprehensive coverage of all environmental issues. The benefits from the continuation of this coal mine are immense.
For all of these reasons I fully support the proposal.

Coal is Australia’s and NSW’s most valuable export.
Our national, state and local economies rely heavily on coal mining which provides multiple benefits for all Australians.
The Dendrobium Colliery Extension will generate a net economic benefit for NSW and for the Illawarra local community.
Coking coal from coal mines in the Southern Coalfield has ideal qualities for steel production and it has fewer impurities, such as sulphur and phosphorus, than coal from countries in Asia.
The federal government’s ABS tables of multiplier effects show that more than three times as many indirect jobs are created for every person directly employed in a coal mine.
Australia and NSW need to focus on the positive aspects of coal mining and its many benefits so as not be distracted by ideologically driven anti-mining activists. Everyone should be proud of what coal mining is doing for NSW and Australia.
It is vital that high quality metallurgical (coking) coal is produced locally to supply the BlueScope steel works and other Australian industries. Local coal production minimises transport costs and ensures that high quality coke is produced. This assists Australia to maintain its competitive advantage compared with overseas producers.
The report submitted demonstrates its comprehensive coverage of all environmental issues. The benefits from the continuation of this coal mine are immense.
For all of these reasons I fully support the modification proposal.