The South East Open Cut (SEOC) project is an open cut coal mine that will integrate with the existing Ashton Coal Project (ACP). The project will produce up to 3.6 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of run-of-mine (ROM) coal over its seven-year mining life and includes independent offices, workshops, and ROM coal handling infrastructure.

Potential Cumulative Impacts of Mining

The SEOC project is located adjacent to a significant regulated waterway and within an intensively mined area of the Hunter Valley. As a result, there was heightened concern regarding potential cumulative impacts of mining on the environment and broader community. Furthermore, there were site constraints including existing public infrastructure, coal seam cropping, nearby waterways, alluvial groundwater, flood potential, and, most critical, the proximity to the Camberwell village.

Identifying Opportunities to Enhance the Village

Working closely with the client and project stakeholders, Kleinfelder managed a large multi-disciplinary team to deliver a comprehensive environmental assessment of the potential impacts and benefits of the project. This included developing a range of avoidance, engineering, mitigation, and management measures to reduce the impact of the project on the environment and community. Through stakeholder consultation and community engagement, Kleinfelder also helped identify opportunities to enhance Camberwell during and after mining, to ensure it remains a vibrant village.

Project Results

Kleinfelder responded swiftly to project requirements and determined suitable measures to avoid or mitigate impacts, which ultimately led to approval by the Planning and Assessment Commission—and later approval by the New South Wales Land and Environment Court after a legal challenge to the approval. Kleinfelder will continue to assist Ashton Coal with the development of management plans to help meet stringent approval conditions as the project moves into construction.

Project Details

Location:
Camberwell, New South Wales

Owner:
Ashton Coal Operation Pty Limited