NSW mine jobs saved with Bengalla mine extension approval

100’s NSW mine jobs saved – Bengalla mine extension approved

24 year Bengalla mining extension – possibility of 500 more jobs for NSW regions

NSW Hunter Valley Coal & Allied coal mine workers (around 400 employees) are smiling this week after receiving the news that their jobs have been saved, with expectations of another 24 years of stable employment ahead.

Coal mining operations extended to 2038

The NSW Government`s recently approved the $689 million Bengalla Continuation project which will see coal mining operations continue until 2038. The mine is being extended to the west on land owned by Coal & Allied to extract around 15 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of run of mine (ROM) coal.

“jobs being generated across the region”

Bengalla general manager Jo-Anne Scarini said the news means a secure long-term future for the mine and its employees as well as more jobs being generated across the region and local communities like Muswellbrook would continue to benefit greatly.

“a big win for the NSW and federal government”

The Bengalla project could generate $778 million in state tax royalties and $509 million in Commonwealth royalties, which is a big win for the NSW and federal government.

Always keen to help the local community, last year Coal & Allied dealt with over 350 NSW businesses, spending over $130 million; with more than 70 percent of that being spent in the Hunter Valley.

�A more positive future for the mine`s 400 workers

The NSW Minerals Council said it was ecstatic about the approval with CEO Stephen Galilee agreeing it provides a clearer and more positive future for the mine`s 400 workers and their families, local businesses and the wider region.

The Bengalla mine is running at about 10.7mtpa, with intentions to increase its fleet of heavy mining equipment.

“around 40 new mining jobs will be created”

Ms Scarini said this is creating work for around 40 new people, including operators and maintenance crew. There is also a strong focus on employing local women because there were too few women in mining jobs and the company wanted to change that balance.

500 more NSW mining jobs for the future

The question of whether the mine could provide significantly more jobs in the future was also raised, with the company stating if the maximum approved limit of 15mtpa was reached in the future, over 500 more jobs could be created.

Despite the leveling out of the coal price over the last few years, this is heartening news for the mine workers of NSW.

“relying on the coal industry for their incomes and livelihood”

In an world of unpredictability and change, its is good to see local communities benefiting from mine site expansion projects. In the case of Bengalla, everyone benefits, the state and federal government as well as the local communities, families and businesses that rely on the coal industry for their incomes and livelihood.

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