Business Details
Wallarah 2 Coal Project: Underground Mining Solutions in Central Coast
The Wallarah 2 Coal Project is a proposed underground mining operation located northwest of central Wyong on the Central Coast of New South Wales. Since obtaining exploration licenses in 1995, we have invested over $120 million in scientific investigations, environmental assessments, and community engagement. Our project received development consent in January 2018 following rigorous evaluation by the NSW Planning Assessment Commission and independent experts. We are committed to delivering economic and social benefits through job creation, local business opportunities, and sustainable practices. Our operations will focus on extracting export-quality thermal coal using longwall mining methods while prioritizing environmental protection, including water supply safeguards and biodiversity conservation.With a projected 28-year lifespan, the project will generate up to 1,100 direct and indirect jobs during peak construction and sustain 800 ongoing roles. We have implemented measures to address subsidence risks, minimize land disturbance, and ensure compatibility with surrounding land uses. Our team collaborates with stakeholders to develop property management plans and maintain residential amenity standards. The project represents a $900 million investment in NSW, with annual contributions of $69 million to local household income and $1.5 billion in government revenue over its lifecycle.
Services
Underground coal mining
Coal handling and storage
Rail infrastructure development
Gas management systems
Water treatment facilities
Highlights and features
- We have invested over $120 million in environmental assessments and community programs since 1995
- Our project received approval after rigorous independent scientific evaluation
- We will create 1,100 direct and indirect jobs during peak construction
- We implement advanced subsidence management strategies within NSW government standards
- Our operations include permanent biodiversity conservation offsets exceeding cleared areas
Services
Underground coal mining
Our underground longwall mining operation will extract 3.5-6.5m thick coal seams at depths of 350-690m. Using mechanized shearers and hydraulic supports, we employ modern techniques to maximize resource recovery while implementing subsidence management strategies. The project will produce up to 5 million tonnes annually of export-quality thermal coal for energy generation.
Coal handling infrastructure
We develop integrated coal handling systems including 3.7km inclined drift conveyors, stockpiles, and rail loading facilities. Our infrastructure connects to the Main Northern Rail Line for efficient transport to port facilities. The design minimizes surface disturbance while maintaining operational efficiency for 28 years of continuous operations.
Environmental management
Our environmental programs focus on water protection, biodiversity offsets, and subsidence mitigation. We implement groundwater monitoring, treat 90% of operational water for reuse, and maintain air quality standards. Independent assessments confirm our compliance with NSW environmental regulations and protection of Central Coast water supplies.
Community engagement
We maintain ongoing consultation through community meetings, environmental reporting, and local employment initiatives. Our $120 million pre-construction investment included extensive community feedback processes. We target 70% local recruitment and 10% Indigenous employment during operations to support regional development.
Project development
Our development process includes feasibility studies, detailed engineering, and regulatory compliance. Following 2018 approval, we continue pre-construction planning with subsidiary approvals and tendering processes. The project represents $900 million investment, with construction expected to begin in 2025-2026 and operations starting after a 3-year build period.
Questions
What is the Wallarah 2 Coal Project?
It's an approved underground longwall coal mine on the Central Coast of NSW, designed to extract thermal coal for export while implementing environmental protections.
How will the project protect water supplies?
Mining occurs deep below less than 5% of the catchment area with no surface handling in water zones. We'll treat and recycle 90% of operational water.
What economic benefits will it deliver?
The project will create 1,100 construction jobs, sustain 800 ongoing roles, and contribute $69 million annually to local incomes over 28 years.
How is subsidence managed?
Operations follow NSW government subsidence district standards with reduced extraction beneath sensitive areas and property-specific management plans.
What environmental protections are in place?
We implement biodiversity offsets larger than cleared areas, maintain air/noise standards, and have permanent water monitoring programs approved by experts.
When will operations begin?
Construction is expected to start in 2025-2026 after final approvals, with mining operations commencing 3 years later following the 3-year build period.
