Malabar Resources accepted a land transfer of around 3,700 hectares from mining giant BHP at the Mount Arthur open-pit mine near Muswellbrook, New South Wales, Australia. The sale includes several exploration and mining licenses and accounts for over half of the total Mount Arthur operation, which spans 7,000 hectares and represents NSW’s largest coal mining facility.
In exchange, Malabar will agree to store Mount Arthur tailings within Maxwell Underground mine’s existing mine void. The transfer will allow Malabar to develop its proposed Maxwell North underground expansion and create around 300+ jobs for the region.
In 2022, BHP announced a decision to cease Mount Arthur operations by 2030. The company says that this land transfer is “one of several steps BHP is taking to ensure the site has a strong future.”
NSW Energy Coal Vice President Liz Watts said BHP continues to work closely with the community, employees, government and landholders on alternate land use opportunities in the closure of the Mt Arthur coal mine. “Our commitment is clear, we want to focus on environmental, economic and social outcomes in mine closure, to help set the region up for long-term success, and deliver a positive legacy from BHP mining in the Hunter Valley.”
Malabar Executive Chairman Wayne Seabrook said: “With 98% of our team based in the Upper Hunter, we’re proud to further invest in the region through Maxwell North and strengthen our commitment to the community we call home.”
Other potential land use opportunities for the Mount Arthur coal site include the possibility of a pumped hydro energy storage system, recreation, biodiversity corridors and adaptive reuse of existing infrastructure, like workshops and administration buildings.
Source: www.coalage.com
