Controversial Wallarh 2 Coal project approved for construction

A controversial thermal coal mine in Australia has been given the green light, after 10 years of protests and governmental blocks against coal mining in the region.

The Wallarah 2 Coal Project, located in near Wyong in New South Wales, was approved by the Planning and Assessment Commission this week.

The Wallarah 2 Coal Project will involve the construction and operation of an underground coal mine and associated facilities for 28 years.

A Joint Venture, made up of 5 majority partners, the Wallarah 2 Coal project will involve the extraction of up to 5 Million tonnes of export quality thermal coal per year.

The Project being an underground longwall mine will generally be comprised of coal handling and storage facilities, rail spur and loading infrastructure (a previously proposed rail loop will no longer be required), an underground drift entry and ventilation shafts, gas and water management facilities, and maintenance facilities and administration buildings.

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Wallarah 2 has attracted longstanding criticism from the local community due to its location and close proximity to the Central Coast water supply.

The project is a joint venture made up of five partners, including:

• Kores Australia Pty Ltd - 82.25%
• Sojitz Coal Resources Pty Ltd - 5.00%
• Kyungdong Australia Pty Ltd - 4.25%
• SK Networks Resources Australia (Wyong) Pty Ltd - 4.25%
• SK Networks Resources Pty Ltd - 4.25%

As a means of allying the concerns of the local community, the owners of the Wallarh 2 Coal project have taken great strides to outline the key economic benefits of the project through a detailed and “carefully planned” project.

The Project is committed to local employment and is targeting 70% local recruitment for its operations workforce and 10% indigenous employment during operations

During peak construction, the Project will generate over 1100 direct and indirect jobs.

The Project will employ 300 people directly and will generate over 500 more indirect jobs in this region throughout its 28-year operation.

Wallarah 2 will increase regional business turnover by up to $600 Million every year

Every year, the Project will add $69 Million to local household income and over $1.5 Billion will be contributed by the Project to Local, State and Federal Government revenue.