IPC decision on Hunter Valley Operations mine extension expected Wednesday

Newy 87.8 FM – The Independent Planning Commission's decision on the future of Hunter Valley Operations' coal mines near Singleton is expected on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.

HVO says more than 16,000 people have signed a Letter of Support for its Continuation Project, a sign-up initiative run through the company's own website.

The IPC is considering applications to continue the HVO North and HVO South open cut coal mines, including extraction of approximately 430 million tonnes of ROM coal through to 2042 and 2045. HVO North, located at Liddell, Lemington and Howick, is currently approved to operate until the end of 2026, while HVO South, at Warkworth, is approved until 2030.

HVO proposes a maximum annual production limit of 26 million tonnes per annum for the complex, down from the current theoretical maximum of 42 million tonnes.

The company says the project supports around 1,500 ongoing jobs plus 600 temporary construction jobs during infrastructure upgrades. HVO also claims it has contributed $6.9 billion to the economy over the last four years, including $3.8 billion spent with 750 suppliers. Coal is processed onsite and generally transported by rail to the Port of Newcastle.

A public hearing was held at Branxton Community Hall on 16 and 17 July, and Singleton and Muswellbrook Shire councils met with the Commission on 8 July. HVO says it received more than 1,300 submissions after exhibition of the amended project, with 91 per cent in support. A Lock the Gate campaign opposing the project is also active ahead of the decision.

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