The largest coalmining development in New South Wales' history, the Hunter Valley Operations mine, has received state approval to operate until 2045. The decision was made by the state Independent Planning Commission, which acknowledged the project's contribution to climate change impacts but stated these were outweighed by local benefits, including employment and economic activity.
Matt Kean, chair of the Climate Change Authority and an Albanese government climate adviser, has challenged the approval. He questioned why the commission did not account for the economic cost of climate change caused by burning the coal, pointing to evidence suggesting climate-related disasters could cost Australians at least $73bn a year by 2060.
NSW Labor premier, Chris Minns, supported the decision, calling it "hugely important" for the state economy and citing its role in supporting thousands of jobs and generating billions in royalties. The mine's owners, Yancoal and Glencore, project the extension could result in 809m tonnes of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere once the coal is exported and burned.
The mine expansion still requires approval under federal environment law before the end of the year. The Greens have urged the Albanese government to reject the extension ahead of the Cop31 climate summit in Turkey.