Ulan Coal Mine (Xstrata)

has applied for an increase in coal production to 20MT/annum & 21 year lease

Send in a Submission
by FRIDAY 4 DECEMBER 2009

Ulan Coal Mine Continued Operations

Application Number: 08_0184

Points to Note:
1. This project is not consistent with the principles of Ecological Sustainable Development.

2. This project is the fourth major coal mine expansion proposal in the Mudgee (Ulan-Wollar) area in four years. If all are approved 42.5 million tonnes of coal will be produced in the area annually. This is a major cumulative increase of global greenhouse gas emissions.

3. The project aims to increase Ulan Coal Mine production up to 20 million tonnes per year for 21 years. Predicted total coal production will be 287Mt. This will produce 552Mt CO2e or 96% emissions produced by Australia in 2006.

4. The longwall mine expansion will cross under the Great Dividing Range impacting on the headwaters of both the Hunter River catchment & Macquarie River catchment(Murray-Darling Basin).

5. Recovery of the regional groundwater is predicted to take in excess of 200 years, lower water tables and increase water quality (Salinity levels greater than 1700-1800 uS/cm)
..more on water...

6. The cumulative mine impacts on federally listed endangered species in this area has not been identified. ...more ..

7. Clearing of 408 has of native vegetation and subsidence impacts will destroy foraging and nesting habitat for 10 birds and 3 mammals protected under the EPBC Act including 69ha of a critically endangered ecological community (CEEC-White Box Red Gum Woodlands and derived grasses).

8. Significant cumulative destruction of Aboriginal cultural heritage sites will occur. ...more..

9. Cumulative impacts on the local community through increased traffic & train movements, noise, dust, low frequency vibration, loss of neighbours and community cohesion have not been adequately identified or addressed.

10. The planned remediation of the Goulburn River diversion is commended but should be undertaken regardless of this approval process.

Email to: sara.wilson@planning.nsw.gov.au

Moolarben Mega Coal Mine
Impacts Moolarben Coal Mine Stage 2 :

Moolarben Stage 1 was approved in September 2007. Felix Resources have now applied for Stage 2 and a modification of Stage 1 infrastructure.

If approved this will create a mega mine producing 17 million tonnes of new coal per year for 24 years
• The unsustainable extraction of groundwater and interference to aquifer and river system due to mine subsidence, dewatering and on site water use.
  
• The removal of a total of 851 ha of remnant native vegetation
  Includes 157 ha of CEEC (Critically Endangered Ecological Communities) that provides habitat to a range of threatened woodland birds including Regent and Painted Honeyeaters, Hooded Robin, Brown Treecreeper, Diamond Firetail (referred under EPBC Act)
  
• Removal of over 11 km of creek habitat in the Murragamba Creek (also rated as significant cultural landscape) and Eastern Creek valleys including two groundwater dependant ecosystems (GDEs).
  
• Removal of five Aboriginal heritage sites of high significance and 16 sites of medium significance. An additional two Aboriginal heritage sites of high significance and seven sites of medium significance will be disturbed. Underground 2 surrounds a significant site in a 100m cliff line (C7 - Site ID S2MC236) containing numerous artworks - hand stencils, animal tracks and animal motifs. The mine has provided only a 55 metre buffer area to protect this area from subsidence.
  
• Cumulative impacts MCM will inflict on this catchment deserve serious offsets and protective measures around important natural and cultural features that are valued by society. There is wide spread support for the inclusion of the Goulburn River Drip Gorge, riparian area and adjacent escarpments into the Goulburn River National Park. This area has multiple values (cultural, scenic, educational, tourism and now a Brett Whitley Mural) and is of national significance. It is also supports a sensitive and connected groundwater system that is poorly understood.
  

This iconic place is priceless and should be granted maximum protection from mining
under the Goulburn River National Park

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Articles, Reports & Facts
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Transforming the Hunter into a Renewable Hub - Green Report

Submission to NSW Task Force on Coal Mining Impacts - Coal affected Communities

How is Coal Toxic -

Climate Futures Bill
Speech by John Kaye Greens

PEAK COAL: Sooner than you think!
What is Clean Coal? Some facts..

Tough Decisions on Coal
by Ian Dunlop (former Coal Co. Executive)

Report by Total Environment Centre
Impacts of Long wall Mining
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Media Snippets

Neighbours Dig in..SMH

Mine Fuelsthe Fire SMH

"Mining our water too!"
'Land' Article by Alan Dick
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Quotes:

"Nature is the infrastructure of the economy, it's the best investment."

Robert Kennedy jnr speaking in South Australia
Feb 2008. The Stern Review commissioned by the British Government states:
"There is overwhelming evidence that climate change is a serious and urgent issue needing strong and urgent global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions"

A INCONVENIENT TRUTH

" It is DIFFICULT to get a man to understand something when his SALARY depends upon him
NOT UNDERSTANDING IT"
Upton Sinclair

Community Submissions & Reports on the Moolarben Coal Project

The long term and cumulative impacts of these developments on the groundwater or river system is impossible to assess in the time frame allowed. The integrity and viability of the Goulburn River catchment and the sandstone cliffs and gorges are under threat from coal mining!