Mine challenge fails

Mudgee Guardian : Mine Challenge Fails (30 November 2011)

Ulan Coal Mine may be required to offset its greenhouse gas emissions as a condition of approval for expansion, under a NSW Land and Environment Court ruling handed down last week.

Justice Nicola Pain last week presented her judgement on Hunter Environmental Lobby's appeal against the $1.2 billion Ulan West project, which will include a new 239 hectare open cut mine and approximately 25 square kilometres of additional longwall mining.

The group (which was assisted by the EDO) contested the State Government approval of the project on the grounds of climate change, the effect on groundwater systems and clearing of critically endangered vegetation communities.

The Hunter Environment Lobby is a member group of the Nature Conservation Council of NSW, who welcomed the judgement.

The Council welcomed indications the Court will set a national precedent by requiring Ulan Coal to offset its greenhouse gas emissions.


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