The Independent Planning Commission has approved the Hunter Valley Operations extension to 2045. The approval comes with conditions, including a closure management plan within a year. HJA says it should be a wake-up call for mining companies and governments.
“Transition planning has to start early, be properly funded and deliver real support. Mining companies cannot point to the threat of job losses and socioeconomic impacts on communities while failing to adequately plan for those very impacts.” said HJA coordinator Justin Page.
HJA is calling on Glencore and Yancoal to fund support for workers. It also wants the NSW Government to legislate those obligations. The federal government must close the gap in transition support for export coal workers.