NSW commission approves Hunter coal mine extension until 2045

The NSW Independent Planning Commission has approved an extension allowing Hunter Valley Operations to continue mining near Singleton until 2045. The decision permits an estimated 429 million tonnes of coal to be extracted from the mine’s North and South sites. The mine had previously been due to operate only until December after receiving a last-minute extension in April 2025.

HVO told commission hearings in July that it employed more than 1,500 people, engaged over 800 suppliers and contributed more than $1 billion a year to the economy. The ruling was therefore described as saving an estimated 1,500 jobs. The proposal was backed by NSW Premier Chris Minns, Natural Resources Minister Courtney Houssos and the NSW Coalition.

Ms. Houssos said the government would adhere to legislated net-zero emissions targets while recognising coal’s economic importance to the Hunter Valley and the State. Environmental groups argued that the extension could jeopardise NSW’s ability to meet those targets.

The supplied material does not state whether the commission attached additional environmental conditions to its approval. More than 10,000 public submissions were made during the commission’s deliberations. About 60 per cent supported the project.

The decision extends the mine’s operating life by nearly two decades, but the source does not provide a detailed emissions assessment or explain how the project is expected to align with NSW’s net-zero commitments.