Wedoany.com Report-May 28, Glencore Australia’s Ulan coal mine, located near Mudgee in New South Wales, Australia, has been granted approval by the NSW Department of Planning to expand its underground operations. The approval permits the extraction of an additional 18.8 million tonnes of coal, extending the mine’s operations until 2035.

The project’s GHG emissions are expected to account for less than 0.1% of the state’s targets for 2030 and 2035.

The Ulan coal mine, one of Australia’s largest, is now authorized to extract nearly 330 million tonnes of ore over the next two decades. This expansion supports the mine’s role as a significant contributor to the region’s economy and energy sector.

A Glencore Australia spokesperson expressed satisfaction with the decision: “The modification will provide ongoing employment opportunities for people at Ulan Coal Complex.” The expansion is expected to sustain jobs and support local communities in the Mudgee area.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water raised concerns about the project’s potential environmental impact, noting that 21 native species could be affected and 17 hectares of native vegetation will be cleared. However, the NSW Department of Planning determined that these impacts can be “avoided, managed, and offset” through 13 specific conditions. These measures aim to protect biodiversity, water resources, Aboriginal cultural heritage, and address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The department noted that the project’s GHG emissions are projected to represent less than 0.1% of New South Wales’ emissions targets for 2030 and 2035. As part of the approval, Glencore Australia is required to develop a Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Plan within six months, in collaboration with the Environment Protection Authority, to further address environmental concerns.

Separately, Glencore International has entered a strategic partnership with Mt. Labo Exploration and Development, a subsidiary of RTG Mining, for the Mabilo copper and gold project in the Philippines. Signed in March, this agreement includes offtake arrangements and a financing package, with plans to finalize detailed documentation in the coming months.

The Ulan mine expansion reflects Glencore Australia’s commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility, while the partnership in the Philippines highlights the company’s broader efforts to support sustainable resource development globally.