Peabody Energy Australia, through its subsidiary Helensburgh Coal Pty Ltd (HCPL) has prepared an Environmental Assessment for the Metropolitan Coal Project (the Project) which, if approved, would extend the life of the existing Metropolitan Colliery by approximately 23 years. 

The following provides an overview of the Project environmental assessment process and contact details if you would like more information.

Metropolitan Coal Project Environmental Assessment Process

The Project is being assessed as a Major Project in accordance with Part 3A of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979.  The NSW Department of Planning website provides a summary of the Major Project assessment process. Click here to view the Metropolitan Coal Project Environmental Assessment .

Metropolitan Coal Project Summary

Key components of the Project include the following:

• Continued development of underground mining areas at the Metropolitan Colliery (23 years).
• Increased saleable coal production - from 1.5 Million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to 2.8 Mtpa.
• Continued transport of product coal by train to the Port Kembla Coal Terminal and by truck to the Corrimal and Coalcliff Coke Works.
• Upgrade of the Coal Handling and Preparation Plant and associated surface facilities located in Helensburgh.
• Continued transport of coal reject material to the Glenlee Washery and on-site underground placement of coal reject material within completed sections of the mine.
• Upgrade of supporting infrastructure systems (e.g. ventilation, gas management, water management and underground mining systems).
• The operational workforce (i.e. staff and on-site contractors) is expected to remain stable at 320 people.
• An additional short-term construction workforce of up to 50 people.

Key Environmental Issues

Key environmental issues considered in the Environmental Assessment include:

• potential subsidence effects on man-made and natural features located above the underground mining area;
• potential effects of subsidence on groundwater systems, the Waratah Rivulet and Woronora Reservoir;
• potential effects of mine subsidence on aquatic ecology and terrestrial flora and fauna; and
• potential impacts on air quality, noise and transport associated with Project upgrades of the existing Metropolitan Colliery surface facilities in Helensburgh.

Your Feedback on the Metropolitan Coal Project

If you have comments or would like more information regarding the Metropolitan Coal Project, we would appreciate your feedback. 

Please contact:
Ryan Pascoe,
Manager - Environment & Community,
Metropolitan Colliery,
PO Box 402,
Helensburgh NSW 2508

Ph  (02) 4294 7222, Fax  (02) 4294 2064 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Click here to return to the Metropolitan information page.