The Minns Labor Government has approved a modification to the Bulli Seam Operations coal mine in the Illawarra that will deliver significant environmental benefits and support jobs in the Illawarra region.
Under the approval, Illawarra Coal Holdings Pty Ltd will construct and operate a pilot regenerative thermal oxidiser at its Appin Mine ventilation site. This system captures ventilation air and heats it to break down methane into carbon dioxide and water, reducing emissions released into the atmosphere.
Methane gas is one the most potent greenhouse gases, and over 80 times more impactful than carbon dioxide. It's estimated that using the oxidiser to convert emissions from methane to carbon dioxide will reduce the mine's greenhouse gas emissions by 36,000 tonnes each year when implemented at full scale. This is equivalent to taking 8,500 petrol cars off the road for a year.
The approval marks a major step forward in advancing emissions reduction technologies in the mining sector and are a critical part of the plan to meet the state's legislated climate targets.
The Bulli Seam Operations primarily produces metallurgical coal for steelmaking, a key component of domestic and international supply chains. The approved modification does not change how much coal the project is able to extract.
The mine employs around 1,100 people, and construction of the oxidiser will create around 20 to 30 jobs over 12 months.
The modification also includes ancillary infrastructure and minor site works, such as vegetation clearing and earthworks, at the site located 25 kilometres northwest of Wollongong.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning and Public Space Paul Scully:
"The approval of this modification allows the Appin mine to improve its environmental performance while continuing to provide coal for steelmaking.
"Once complete the new regenerative thermal oxidiser will cut green gas emission by 36,000 tonnes every year.
"Innovations like this one reduce emissions to progress towards our legislated emissions reduction targets."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance and Natural Resources Courtney Houssos:
"The Appin mine has been a major employer in the Illawarra for many years, and this approval demonstrates our commitment to the industry's sustainability.
"This is a good example of the investments being made by the coal mining industry to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, while continuing to extract the metallurgical coal critical to producing steel.
"This means fewer emissions and more jobs - a win for the environment and for the NSW economy."
