The largest coal mine in NSW will close by 2030 after BHP failed to find a viable buyer for its Mount Arthur mine in the Hunter Valley.
The mining giant will seek approval to extend their New South Wales Energy Coal (NSWEC) mining operations for another four years until the site’s closure. Currently BHP only has clearance to continue mining at Mt Arthur until 2026.
BHP’s Mount Arthur coal mine in Muswellbrook in the Upper Hunter.CREDIT:JANIE BARRETT
After failing to find a buyer for the mine BHP said “moving to a closure in 2030 provides the optimal financial outcomes”.
The Mt Arthur mine currently employs 2000 people.
BHP has $700 million slated for a 10-15 year land rehabilitation project that will commence at the Hunter Valley mine once it closes.
NSWEC Vice President Adam Lancey said the operation will “prepare for closure and sustainable rehabilitation of the site, and ensure the pathway to closure is managed in a way that meets community and regulatory expectations”.
