Mod 8 - Ulan West Continued Operations

Kara Magnetite Pty Ltd is a long-standing Australian producer and supplier of magnetite used in coal-preparation processes throughout New South Wales and Queensland. Our company directly services the Ulan Coal Complex and other Glencore operations by providing critical inputs that enable efficient coal beneficiation, quality control, and environmental compliance.

We strongly support approval of the Ulan West Continued Operations Modification (MOD 8) to allow the complex to continue operating until 2041.

Reasons for Support

Sustained Regional Employment and Supply-Chain Stability
Ulan Coal Complex provides substantial ongoing employment for local workers and underpins a large network of regional suppliers. Continuation of operations secures the livelihoods of thousands of people across the central-west NSW mining corridor.

Economic Contribution
Ulan’s annual supplier spend (approx. $470 million with >920 businesses) and $846 million in total socio-economic value represent vital economic activity for rural communities. Continued operations ensure ongoing investment in small-to-medium enterprises, freight, manufacturing, and service providers such as ours.

Community and Social Benefits
The project directly supports local initiatives including Mudgee 4 Doctors, Country Universities Centre Mudgee, and the Mudgee High School LINK Program, along with donations to charities and sporting clubs. These contributions foster long-term community resilience beyond the mine gate.

No Expansion or Intensification of Mining Activities
The proposed modification does not involve new mining areas, increased production rates, or additional land disturbance. It merely extends the life of existing, well-regulated operations with a proven compliance record.

Security of Domestic and Export Supply
Demand remains strong for Ulan’s high-quality coal, which is used by key trading partners in energy and steel production. Ensuring continuity of supply helps sustain downstream industries and Australia’s trade reputation.

Dear Madam/Sir,

I hereby lodge my submission to the Ulan Coal Mine Mod 8 – Ulan West Continued Operations.

I oppose Glencore’s Ulan Coal Mine Mod 8 – Ulan West Continued Operations.

The Glencore Ulan Coal Mine has approval to mine 20 Mt/year thermal coal to August 2035. It is a wholly underground longwall mining operation disturbing over 120 km2 of farmland and bushland with high biodiversity values. Ulan Mine crosses under the Great Dividing Range intercepting water from the Murray-Darling Basin and the Hunter catchment.

The proposed mine expansion should not be assessed as a modification because it falls entirely outside the current mining lease causing new previously unassessed environmental impacts and therefore differs substantially from the current approved mine. This ‘modification’ proposal should be assessed as a new project so that it receives full independent merit assessment.

The project is an extension of the recently approved Ulan Mod 6 that is under legal appeal.

The Mod 8 application is to mine a further 43 Mt up to 2041. Ulan Coal Mine falls within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (CWOREZ). There must be no more expansion of coal mining to maintain a safe climate.

My key points of objection are:

1. Releasing over 105 Mt of additional Greenhouse Gas emissions, poor monitoring and reporting of methane emissions.
2. Outside existing mine boundary with additional infrastructure disturbance. This project should be assessed as a new project.
3. Constructing a large new tailings dam area of 132 ha within a revegetated, rehabilitated old open cut pit next to Goulburn River risking leakage of toxic contaminants.
4. Wholly west of Great Dividing Range within the Murray Darling Basin. The loss of flows to Talbragar River, tributary of Macquarie River feeding into the significant Macquarie Marshes.
5. Extended water releases into Goulburn River increasing salt load downstream to the Hunter River.
6. Loss of Aboriginal cultural heritage and spiritual landscape for Wiradjuri Nation, impacting 71 known sites, including rock art.
7. Disturbing an additional 1743 ha with sandstone escarpment, caves and overhangs: Also destroying additional important habitat for the nationally threatened Large-eared Pied Bat, Eastern Cave Bat, Regent Honeyeater and Koala, critically endangered Box Gum Woodland. Cumulative impact on these species across 3 mines in the region.
8. Final layout of surface infrastructure not yet determined. The mine plan is not finalised.
9. Undermining 17 private properties directly impacting 4 houses and 6 private bores.
10. Increasing social impacts, loss of farm water and ongoing disturbance of the rural way of life.
11. This project is not needed to provide regional jobs. There is a huge workforce shortage for renewable energy projects and other industries in the Central West.

Methane monitoring – Scope 1 emissions:
Glencore does not report methane emissions and altered the baseline calculation for annual CO2 -e emissions in 2014 to below requirement for offsets under the Federal Safeguard Mechanism, with no explanation.

New Tailings Dam:
A 132 ha new tailings dam area (and associated stockpile) is additional to the current approved mining impacts. The proposed area for storage of coal waste from the washery abuts the Goulburn River with no monitoring points to measure seepage into the river. This is a threat to The Drip gorge and downstream water users including Goulburn River National Park. The chosen site is an old revegetated open cut mine, backfilled with coal rejects and disturbed soils. This is a new toxic legacy in the landscape further risking river health. No details are provided on how this significant infrastructure will be managed or groundwater leakage monitored.

Water Impacts:
Subsidence or land collapse caused by underground mining damages groundwater systems that store water in the landscape.

Groundwater provides base flows to rivers and creeks. This mine expansion will cause a predicted additional loss of 26.5 million litres per year of flow to Talbragar River. It does not report cumulative loss of flows from current approvals. The Talbragar River is a major tributary of the Macquarie River in the Murray Darling Basin that flows in below Burrendong Dam. These flows are directly connected to the internationally significant Macquarie Marshes.

The Goulburn River will also be impacted by additional loss of base flow. Most importantly, it will add another six years of mine water discharge carrying over 15,000 tonnes of salt (7 tonnes per day) into the Goulburn /Hunter River ecosystem. The cumulative impact of the three large coal mines on the Goulburn River has never been fully assessed.

Aboriginal cultural heritage impacts:
The cumulative loss of significant Aboriginal cultural heritage in the Ulan area is not assessed. There is ample evidence of continuous Wiradjuri occupation of the region with spiritual connection to country. Ulan Mod 8 will impact an additional 71 recorded sites.

Biodiversity impacts:
The proposed extension of mine disturbance will impact areas of fragile sandstone landscape including 6.5 kms of escarpment with rocky outcrops and cliff lines higher than 10m. These provide important habitat for the endangered Large-eared Pied Bat and Eastern Cave Bat. This habitat loss cannot be offset. The cumulative loss of irreplaceable microbat habitat across the three adjacent mines is not assessed.

The cumulative loss of mature, healthy Box Gum Woodland CEEC in the region through mine clearing has not been assessed. This ecosystem provides important habitat for a range ofthreatened woodland animal species.

Regent Honeyeater: The ongoing loss of important habitat for the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater is not recognised or assessed. There are current records of breeding activity in the district that are not identified in the assessment report.

Koala: ongoing disturbance of Koala habitat from mining is not assessed.
The area of impact provides habitat for the threatened Barking Owl and Powerful Owl.

Final Mine Plan:
The final placement of infrastructure in the landscape has not yet been provided because of ongoing negotiations with private landholders. This issue should have been resolved before the proposal was lodged and accepted by the Department of Planning. A final mine plan should be submitted for consideration.

Social impacts:
The proposal will impact 17 private properties, directly under-mining 4 houses and lowering water availability in 6 private bores including total dewatering of one. The mitigation measure of providing replacement water will not continue after mining is finished. The Ulan Mine has bought out a large number of properties over time because of severe impacts of subsidence and noise from ventilator fans. This diminishes the local community and removes neighbourhood support in a remote rural area.

Not substantially the same project:
The proposed extension should not be assessed as a modification because it is not substantially the same as the current Mine approval:

• Falls entirely outside the current mining lease.
• Introduces new infrastructure eg new 132 ha tailings disposal area, additional ventilators, tracks.
• Impacts an additional 1,734 ha landscape.
• Increases impacts on groundwater, creeks and rivers.
• Destroys irreplaceable endangered species habitat.
• Causes additional biodiversity impacts under Federal environmental law.
• Destroys a new area of Aboriginal cultural heritage significance.
• Directly impacts 17 private properties, threatens built structures and private bores.
• Releases 105 Mt additional greenhouse gas emissions.

Not Justified:
There is no need for extended coal mining in the region to provide local jobs. Mining is competing for skilled labour urgently required in the construction, housing and renewable energy industries. There is a major labour shortage in the Central West with local workers needed for the CWO REZ construction.

The New South Wales Government has prioritised the Central West Future Jobs and Investment Authority to manage the transition away from coal mining. The Mudgee region has many opportunities to diversify the economy.

With the ever-increasing effects of climate change on Australia and New South Wales the Minns Government must be actively pursuing the development of green energy generation and infrastructure and discontinue the extraction and use of fossil fuels immediately. To do otherwise would be irresponsible.

I thank you for this opportunity to express my opinions on this matter.

For the only planet we have.

Colleen Wysser - Martin

Given Ulan's MOD6 application has been rejected, the MOD8 application which is the subject of this submission is a bit of a waste of effort. HOWEVER for the sake of completing official requirements, MOD8 must also be rejected. I urge you to get this done for reasons below that you have no doubt seen many times before...
1. Releasing over 105 Mt of additional Greenhouse Gas emissions, poor monitoring and reporting of methane emissions.
2. Outside existing mine boundary with additional infrastructure disturbance - should be assessed as a new project
3. Constructing a large new tailings dam area of 132 ha within a revegetated, rehabilitated old open cut pit next to Goulburn River risking leakage of toxic contaminants
4. Wholly west of Great Dividing Range within the Murray Darling Basin - loss of flows to Talbragar River, tributary of Macquarie River feeding into significant Macquarie Marshes
5. Extended water releases into Goulburn River increasing salt load downstream to Hunter
6. Loss of Aboriginal cultural heritage and spiritual landscape for Wiradjuri Nation – impacting 71 known sites, including rock art
7. Disturbing an additional 1743 ha with sandstone escarpment, caves and overhangs: Destroying additional important habitat for the nationally threatened Large-eared Pied Bat, Eastern Cave Bat, Regent Honeyeater and Koala, critically endangered Box Gum Woodland. Cumulative impact on these species across 3 mines in region.
8. Final layout of surface infrastructure not yet determined – mine plan not finalised
9. Undermining 17 private properties directly impacting 4 houses and 6 private bores
10. Increasing social impacts, loss of farm water and ongoing disturbance of rural way of life
11. This project is not needed to provide regional jobs – there is a huge workforce shortage for renewable energy projects and other industries in the Central West.

Key points of objection:

1. Methane monitoring – Scope 1 emissions

Releasing over 105 Mt of additional Greenhouse Gas emissions, poor monitoring and reporting of methane emissions.

Glencore does not report methane emissions and altered the baseline calculation for annual CO2 -e emissions in 2014 to below requirement for offsets under the Federal Safeguard Mechanism, with no explanation

2. Not substantially the same project

Outside existing mine boundary with additional infrastructure disturbance - should be assessed as a new project

The proposed extension should not be assessed as a modification because it is not substantially the same as the current Mine approval:

-- Falls entirely outside the current mining lease
-- Introduces new infrastructure eg new 132 ha tailings disposal area, additional
ventilators, tracks
-- Impacts an additional 1,734 ha landscape
-- Increases impacts on groundwater, creeks and rivers
-- Destroys irreplaceable endangered species habitat
-- Causes additional biodiversity impacts under Federal environmental law
-- Destroys a new area of Aboriginal cultural heritage significance
-- Directly impacts 17 private properties, threatens built structures and private bores
-- Releases 105 Mt additional greenhouse gas emissions


3. New Tailings Dam

A 132 ha new tailings dam area (and associated stockpile) is additional to the current approved mining impacts. The proposed area for storage of coal waste from the washery abuts the Goulburn River with no monitoring points to measure seepage into the river. This is a threat to The Drip gorge and downstream water users including Goulburn River National Park. The chosen site is an old revegetated open cut mine, backfilled with coal rejects and disturbed soils. This is a new toxic legacy in the landscape further risking river health. No details are provided on how this significant infrastructure will be managed or groundwater leakage monitored.

4. Water Impacts

Subsidence or land collapse caused by underground mining damages groundwater systems that store water in the landscape.

Groundwater provides base flows to rivers and creeks. This mine expansion will cause a predicted additional loss of 26.5 million litres per year of flow to Talbragar River – does not report cumulative loss of flows from current approvals. The Talbragar River is a major tributary of the Macquarie River in the Murray Darling Basin that flows in below Burrendong Dam. These flows are directly connected to the internationally significant Macquarie Marshes.

The Goulburn River will also be impacted by additional loss of base flow. Most importantly, it will add another six years of mine water discharge carrying over 15,000 tonnes of salt (7 tonnes per day) into the Goulburn /Hunter River ecosystem. The cumulative impact of the three large coal mines on the Goulburn River has never been fully assessed.
Extended water releases into Goulburn River increasing salt load downstream to Hunter


5. Aboriginal cultural heritage impacts

The cumulative loss of significant Aboriginal cultural heritage in the Ulan area is not assessed. There is ample evidence of continuous Wiradjuri occupation of the region with spiritual connection to country. Ulan Mod 8 will impact an additional 71 recorded sites, including rock art.


6. Biodiversity impacts

Disturbing an additional 1743 ha with sandstone escarpment, caves and overhangs: Destroying additional important habitat for the nationally threatened Large-eared Pied Bat, Eastern Cave Bat, Regent Honeyeater and Koala, critically endangered Box Gum Woodland. Cumulative impact on these species across 3 mines in region.

The proposed extension of mine disturbance will impact areas of fragile sandstone landscape including 6.5 kms of escarpment with rocky outcrops and cliff lines higher than 10m. These provide important habitat for the endangered Large-eared Pied Bat and Eastern Cave Bat. This habitat loss cannot be offset. The cumulative loss of irreplaceable microbat habitat across the three adjacent mines is not assessed.

The cumulative loss of mature, healthy Box Gum Woodland CEEC in the region through mine clearing has not been assessed. This ecosystem provides important habitat for a range of threatened woodland animal species.

Regent Honeyeater: The ongoing loss of important habitat for the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater is not recognised or assessed. There are current records of breeding activity in the district that are not identified in the assessment report.

Koala: ongoing disturbance of Koala habitat from mining is not assessed

The area of impact provides habitat for the threatened Barking Owl and Powerful Owl

7. Final Mine Plan

The final placement of infrastructure in the landscape has not yet been provided because of ongoing negotiations with private landholders. This issue should have been resolved before the proposal was lodged and accepted by the Department of Planning. A final mine plan should be submitted for consideration.


8. Social Impacts

The proposal will impact 17 private properties, directly under-mining 4 houses and lowering water availability in 6 private bores including total dewatering of one. The mitigation measure of providing replacement water will not continue after mining is finished. The Ulan Mine has bought out a large number of properties over time because of severe impacts of subsidence and noise from ventilator fans. This diminishes the local community and removes neighbourhood support in a remote rural area.

9. Not Justified

There is no need for extended coal mining in the region to provide local jobs. Mining is
competing for skilled labour urgently required in the construction, housing and renewable
energy industries. There is a major labour shortage in the Central West with local workers
needed for the CWO REZ construction.

The NSW Government has prioritised the Central West Future Jobs and Investment
Authority to manage the transition away from coal mining. The Mudgee region has many
opportunities to diversify the economy.

10. Mod 8 needs to be rejected now that Mod 6 has been ruled invalid

⦁ Mod 6 extended the mine’s life from 2033 to 2035.
⦁ Mod 8 relies entirely on that time extension — it covers 2035 to 2041. Now that Mod 6 has been overturned, Mod 8 has no basis to proceed.
⦁ Mod 8’s proposed infrastructure is also directly attached to Mod 6’s underground longwall panels. Without Mod 6, that infrastructure cannot exist — meaning Mod 8 is fundamentally unworkable

I object to this project on numerous grounds included in my attached document. I seriously question the integrity of the Department for allowing this to be a modification not a new mining development. To allow it as such enables Glencore to proceed without due diligence as to the environmental impacts of their mining undertakings. This is clearly not in line with acceptable unbiased practice.

• Ulan's Mod 6 and Mod 8 are interdependant.
• Mod 6 has now been overturned, Mod 8 is no longer valid
• Mod 6 extended the mine’s life from 2033 to 2035.
• Mod 8 relies entirely on that time extension — it covers 2035 to 2041. Now that Mod 6 has been overturned, Mod 8 has no basis to proceed.
• Mod 8’s proposed infrastructure is also directly attached to Mod 6’s underground longwall panels. Without Mod 6, that infrastructure cannot exist.
• This means Mod 8 is now fundamentally unworkable.

I am very strongly opposed to this project. I live in Wollar on the Goulburn River , downstream from the Ulan mine and the Moolarban mine and the wilpinjong mine. The cumulative impacts of these mines on the river is already problematic for residents who rely on river water for stock and domestic purposes. The current increased flows , which can be 65000 megalitres per day from the combined mines has changed the behavior of the river. Any rain event now causes an instant rise in river levels creating problems for landholders access and having to remove pumps etc. This was not a problem prior to the mines being allowed to discharge into the river. Carp, an invasive pest species, have now been able to move many kilometres upstream to breed in places they were never seen before, creating more sediment in the river to add to the sediment caused by the increased flows from the mines. These cumulative impacts are not monitored as they should be. The proposal includes a tailings dam beside the river at Ulan, this is unbeleivable as the sandy soil in the area will definitely allow toxic water and pollutants to leak into the river. As I understand at the moment that no monitoring is proposed for this dam it should not be allowed to further threaten the downstream water users who rely on the river for their livelihood. The closure of the Myuna Bay Recreation Camp because of the proximity of a tailings dam is a perfect example of the risks involved here.
An additional 6 years of discharge is likely to add 15,000 tons of salt to the river, the combined impact of 3 mines discharge could be 30,000 tons of salt. This is also unacceptable for agricultural users or in fact anyone having to use this water. potable water is becoming increasingly hard to find world wide and to compromise this for short term gains for a foreign company is ludicrous and should not be allowed.
increased monitoring of the river is also necessary, a monitor is required between the mines and the Coggan monitor to measure salt, sediment and other toxins which may escape notice otherwise.
The coal extraction industry is having a profound effect on climate change,this is scientifically accepted and not speculation. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and locally that is apparent as a causeway across Wollar creek on the Mogo road was washed away 3 years ago due to a massive storm upstream. It had been in place for over 50 years without problem so there are local issues with climate change caused by mining and fossil fuel extraction.
The rejection off Mod.6 at Ulan mine is another good reason to not allow this project as similar rules apply to mod8. The climate impacts of all associated carbon pollution, including scope 3 emissions from the exported and burned coal must be included. This is a world wide problem that should be dealt with now to avoid further climate change. It is in your hands to consider the lives of the Australian people instead of the profits of foreign companies who will not be here when the damage has to be dealt with!

Andrew's my name; I'm a resident of Monbulk, in Victoria, and an advocate for our environment. Thank you for accepting my submission.
I'm moved to action by a great love of and respect for country, and by tremendous concern for its future if the proposal were to be approved.
The information to follow has been prepared with the assistance of the Murray District Environment Group; I have reviewed their research at length, and I concur with their findings.
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Background.
The Glencore Ulan Coal Mine has approval to mine 20 Mt/year thermal coal to August 2035. It is a wholly underground longwall mining operation disturbing over 120 km2 of farmland and bushland with high biodiversity values. Ulan Mine crosses under the Great Dividing Range intercepting water from the Murray-Darling Basin and the Hunter catchment. The proposed mine expansion should not be assessed as a modification because it falls entirely outside the current mining lease causing new previously unassessed environmental impacts and therefore differs substantially from the current approved mine. This ‘modification’ proposal should be assessed as a new project so that it receives full independent merit assessment.
The project is an extension of the recently approved Ulan Mod 6 that is under legal appeal. The Mod 8 application is to mine a further 43 Mt up to 2041. Ulan Coal Mine falls within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (CWOREZ). To maintain a safe climate, there must be no further expansion of coal mining.
For more information go to: https://mdeg.org.au/ulan-west-expansion/
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*Grounds for Objection*.
1. Methane monitoring – Scope 1 emissions.
Glencore does not report methane emissions, and altered the baseline calculation for annual emissions in 2014 to below requirement for offsets under the Federal Safeguard Mechanism, with no explanation given.

2. New Tailings Dam.
A 132 ha new tailings dam area (and associated stockpile) is additional to the current approved mining impacts. The proposed area for storage of coal waste from the washery abuts the Goulburn River with no monitoring points to measure seepage into the river. This is a threat to The Drip gorge and downstream water users including Goulburn River National Park. The chosen site is a rehabilitated open cut mine, backfilled with coal rejects and disturbed soils. This is a new toxic legacy in the landscape, further risking river health. No details are provided on how this significant infrastructure will be managed or groundwater leakage monitored.

3. Impacts on Water.
Subsidence or land collapse caused by underground mining damages groundwater systems that store water in the landscape.
Groundwater provides base flows to rivers and creeks. This mine expansion will cause a predicted additional loss of 26.5 million litres per year of flow to Talbragar River – the cumulative loss of flows from existing approvals remains unknown. The Talbragar River is a major tributary of the Macquarie River in the Murray Darling Basin that flows in below Burrendong Dam. These flows are directly connected to the internationally significant Macquarie Marshes. The Goulburn River will also be impacted by additional loss of base flow.
Most importantly, it will add another six years of mine water discharge carrying over 15,000 tonnes of salt (7 tonnes per day) into the Goulburn /Hunter River ecosystem. The cumulative impact of the three large coal mines on the Goulburn River has never been fully assessed.

4. Impacts to Aboriginal cultural heritage.
The cumulative loss of significant Aboriginal cultural heritage in the Ulan area is not assessed. There is ample evidence of continuous Wiradjuri occupation of the region with spiritual connection to country. Ulan Mod 8 will impact an additional 71 recorded sites.

5. Impacts to Biodiversity.
The proposed extension of mine disturbance will impact areas of fragile sandstone landscape including 6.5 kms of escarpment with rocky outcrops and cliff lines higher than 10m. These provide important habitat for the endangered Large-eared Pied Bat and Eastern Cave Bat. This habitat loss cannot be offset. The cumulative loss of irreplaceable microbat habitat across the three adjacent mines is not assessed.
The cumulative loss of mature, healthy Box Gum Woodland CEEC in the region through mine clearing has not been assessed. This ecosystem provides important habitat for a range of threatened woodland animal species. The ongoing loss of important habitat for the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater is not recognised or assessed; there are current records of breeding activity in the
district that are not identified in the assessment report. Ongoing disturbance of Koala habitat from mining is not assessed. The area of impact provides habitat for the threatened Barking Owl and Powerful Owl.
6. Final Mine Plan
The final placement of infrastructure in the landscape has not yet been provided because of ongoing negotiations with private landholders. This issue should have been resolved before the proposal was lodged and accepted by the Department of Planning. A final mine plan should be submitted for consideration.
7. Social Impacts.
The proposal will impact 17 private properties, directly under-mining 4 houses and lowering water availability in 6 private bores, including total depletion of one. The mitigation measure of providing replacement water will not continue after mining is finished. The Ulan Mine has bought out a large number of properties over time because of severe impacts of subsidence and noise from ventilator fans. This diminishes the local community and erodes social cohesion in a remote rural area.

8. Key differences to existing approved mine.
The proposed extension should not be assessed as a modification because it is essentially different to the mine approved. The extension:
• Falls entirely outside the current mining lease
• Introduces new infrastructure, for example 132 ha tailings disposal area, additional ventilators, tracks.
• Impacts an additional 1,734 ha landscape
• Increases impacts on groundwater, creeks and rivers
• Destroys irreplaceable endangered species habitat
• Has additional impacts on biodiversity, breaking Federal environmental law
• Destroys areas of Aboriginal cultural heritage significance
• Directly impacts 17 private properties, threatens built structures and private bores
• Releases 105 Mt additional greenhouse gas emissions

9. Economic Considerations.
There is no need for further coal mining in the region to provide local jobs. Mining is competing for skilled labour urgently required in the construction, housing and renewable energy industries. There is a major labour shortage in the Central West with local workers
needed for the CWOREZ construction. The NSW Government has prioritised the Central West Future Jobs and Investment Authority to manage the transition away from coal mining. The Mudgee region has many opportunities to diversify the economy.

Knitting Nannas Hunter Loop are a group of women concerned for future generations.
We contend that as Mod 6 has been overturned by the Land and Environment Court there is no basis for Mod 8 to go ahead.

Mod 6 extended the mine’s life from 2033 to 2035 and as Mod 8 covers 2035 to 2041 it relies entirely on Mod 6.
Also Mod 8’s proposed infrastructure is directly attached to Mod 6’s underground longwall panels. Without Mod 6, that infrastructure cannot exist.
Clearly Mod 8 makes no sense without mod 6 and should be rejected outright.
Thank you for your consideration
Lynn Benn

To whom it may concern,
I am writing on behalf of Rotech Australia Pty Ltd to provide our support for Ulan West Continued Operations Modification (MOD 8) due to the diverse, substantial and necessary benefits it provides, individuals, businesses and communities. It would be a disservice to see this mine close down or not have its life extended due to an overreliance on renewable energy when the high-quality coal the mine produces is still and will be for a very long time, critical for the economy.
We provide our support and hope to continue doing business with Ulan as a long term and valued supplier.

I am currently employed at Ulan Coal Mine and fully support the proposed Mod 8 expansion. The project will secure ongoing jobs for local workers, strengthen the regional economy, and make the most of existing mine infrastructure.

Coal mining remains a vital industry for our community, providing reliable employment and contributing significantly to Australia’s energy needs and exports. Ulan has a strong record of safe and responsible operations, and I believe the proposed extension will continue that standard while ensuring long-term stability for local families and businesses.

I strongly support the approval of this modification.

Good thing for an extension

I support Wilpinjong extension because I work here and Wilpinjong supports my family. It’s a great place to work

I strongly support the proposed continuation of mining operations at Ulan (Modification 8). For several decades, the Ulan Coal Mine has played a crucial role in shaping the socio-economic landscape of Ulan, Gulgong and Mudgee towns as well as the larger surrounding region. Its contributions to state and national economies are also significant.

Economic Impact
Approving this continuation project is essential for sustaining direct employment for the current workforce for an additional six years. It will also generate substantial economic activity that benefits the Mid-Western Regional Council local government area, as well as New South Wales and Australia as a whole.

Job Security and Local Business Stimulation
Ongoing operations at Ulan will enhance job security and stimulate local businesses, fostering positive growth within the regional community. This will ensure the community continues to thrive both economically and socially.

Commitment to Environmental Management
While supporting economic growth, it is equally important to acknowledge Ulan Coal Mine’s responsibility towards the natural environment and its capability to manage mining-related impacts. The mine is committed to maintaining effective measures to manage and mitigate these environmental impacts throughout the continuation of operations.

In conclusion, I urge decision-makers to approve the continuation of mining operations at Ulan. This project is vital for supporting local economies and communities while ensuring responsible management of mining-related impacts on the environment.

As a local provider of services to the Ulan West Mine its continuation is of great importance to my business.

A great support for local economy

I support this project due to the ongoing positive impact it will have on the local community including but not limited to
Ongoing employment
Support to local business and service providers
Support of local charities and not for profit organisations
Taxes and royalties supporting local infrastructure and services

Submission: Support for the Ulan West Continued Operations Modification

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to express my support for the proposed Ulan West Continued Operations Modification, which seeks approval to continue mining activities at the Ulan Coal Complex until 2041.

As someone who is directly impacted by and/or involved in the local mining industry, I believe the continuation of operations at Ulan West is critical for several key reasons:

1. Economic Stability and Employment

Ulan Coal Complex plays a vital role in supporting local employment and the regional economy. Extending operations to 2041 will provide long-term job security for hundreds of workers and contractors, as well as ongoing economic benefits to local businesses and service providers.

2. Community Contribution

The mine has consistently demonstrated a commitment to supporting the local community through sponsorships, infrastructure investment, and community engagement. Continued operations will ensure these contributions can continue and potentially expand.

3. Environmental Management

Ulan Coal has established a solid track record of operating in accordance with strict environmental regulations. The modification application includes continued implementation of environmental management plans, monitoring, and progressive rehabilitation – all of which are essential for responsible mining.

4. Energy and Resource Security

Coal from Ulan supports both domestic and export energy markets. Extending the life of the mine contributes to resource security and the stability of energy supply during the broader transition to renewable energy.

I fully support the continued operations of the Ulan Coal Complex to 2041, provided that the mine continues to operate under stringent environmental conditions and maintains its strong community and safety standards.

Sincerely,
Shawn Fergusson

Mudgee wouldn't be the growing successful town it is today without primary industry jobs. Our whole area benefits immensely from the economic activity generated. The renewable zones are being built as we speak so one day coal activity will slow. In the short to medium term we need to be extracting value from the established infrastructure for mining to support the transition and the people of this region.

Great for the town of Mudgee and surrounding communities.