Mid-Western Region residents can submit thoughts on Glencore’s third modification to its Ulan West underground coal mine as 
the project’s environmental assessment went on public display last Friday.
The modification seeks permission to extract an additional 13 million tonnes of coal by repositioning several of the mine’s underground longwall panels. If approved it would extend the mine’s life by two years to 2033.
In the environmental assessment it states the modification “is not anticipated to have a significant adverse impact on the land surface or natural features located within the modified Ulan West mining area.” It is also expected the modification will not have a significant adverse impact on existing land uses.
The proposed modification will however result in a 13 per cent increase in the total area of subsidence affectation across Ulan Coal’s Continued Operations Project.
Although Cockabutta Creek rock shelters are currently outside the mine plan, subsidence impact to these sites is likely as a result of the modification.
The Environmental Assessment says “specific management measures have been proposed for these sites, in consultation with the Aboriginal community.”
Seven longwall mining panels are proposed to be extended between 900 and 1300 metres. This would take the total Ulan West mining area to 3335 hectares.
The changes would require relocation of ventilation shafts and some additional ventilation shafts. No other significant change to the location of surface infrastructure, including the coal handling and preparation areas, would be required.
There would be no change to the mine’s operation hours, or workforce numbers.
Understandably the Assessment spruiks the project will “allow for the continued employment of approximately 340 people for an additional two years at Ulan West as well as ongoing economic benefits including mining royalties to the NSW government.”
The Ulan mine complex currently employs 931 people.
Glencore briefed Mid-Western Regional Council about the plans as early as June 2014.
Public submissions about the modification can be made on the NSW Department of Planning and Environment website until Friday, April 17.
Source: Darren Snyder, Mudgee Guardian 23 March 2015
Link: http://www.mudgeeguardian.com.au/story/2961164/glencore-seeks-to-expand-production-at-ulan-coal-mine/?cs=1233
