BHP is transferring around 3,700 hectares of land from its Mt Arthur coal mine to a neighbouring company as the mining giant works towards closing the mine in 2030.
The land will be transferred to Malabar Resources, providing the option for them to seek further value from their existing Maxwell operation.
The transfer will allow for greater safety and environmental outcomes as Mt Arthur can use an existing mine void at the Maxwell operation for tailings storage. The tailings will be deposited in Maxwell’s East Void from 2026 until operations close in 2030.
Liz Watts, NSW Energy Coal Vice President, said BHP will continue to work closely with employees, government, land holders and the community for alternate land use opportunities in the close of the Mt Arthur coal mine.
“Our commitment is clear, we want to focus on environmental, economic and social outcomes in mine closure, to help set the region up for long-term success, and deliver a positive legacy from BHP mining in the Hunter Valley,” Watts said.
BHP said the transfer is a win-win outcome that is good for the company, Malabar and the Upper Hunter.
Other potential land use opportunities for the Mt Arthur coal site are progressing in parallel, including the possibility of a pumped hydro energy storage system, recreation, biodiversity corridors and adaptive use of existing infrastructure.
Malabar also agreed to acquire a number of exploration and mining tenements along with the land from BHP.
Malabar said it will seek to expand its metallurgical coal mining operation into the site, which will be called Maxwell North. The site has the potential to create more than 300 long-term jobs, with many more indirect roles.
Wayne Seabrook, Executive Chairman, Malabar Resources, said: “With 98 per cent of our team based in the Upper Hunter, we’re proud to further invest in the region through Maxwell North and strengthen our commitment to the community we call home.”