NSW Independent Planning Commission evaluates major Hunter Valley coal expansion

The Independent Planning Commission (IPC) in New South Wales will decide on the Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) continuation project, a joint venture between Glencore and Yancoal that seeks to extract up to 716 million tonnes of coal from the HVO North and South extensions near Singleton. The plan would extend mine life to 2045 for HVO North and 2042 for HVO South, sustain about 1,500 jobs and contribute roughly $1 billion annually to the state economy.

The applications have attracted intense opposition: more than 50 unique submissions objected, triggering an automatic referral to the IPC under state rules, while supporters filed 1,097 submissions citing local employment and economic benefits. Opponents, including the Climate Council, describe the project as a “climate bomb,” warning that the additional 429 million tonnes of thermal coal could generate around 800 million tonnes of CO₂ when burned, exacerbating bushfires, flooding and coastal storms in NSW. A public hearing is scheduled for 16–17 July at Branxton Community Hall, and written submissions are accepted until 26 July.