Coal news and updates

Coal vs horses as Hunter battle resumes

Mining giant Anglo American is demanding that independent assessors approve an expansion of a Hunter Valley coalmine, saying 500 jobs, millions of dollars in royalties and the reputation of the NSW planning system are all at stake.

Hundreds of people are at a meeting in the Hunter Valley town of Denman, lining up in support and opposition to the Drayton South mine proposal that would put a new mine pit close to Hunter Valley thoroughbred studs and vineyards.

Horse breeders, winemakers, farmers and environmentalists are angry that the NSW Department of Planning has recommended approval of a revised mine plan from Anglo American after the independent Planning Assessment Commission rejected a previous proposal in October 2014.

Anglo American Australia chairman Graham Bradley told the commission's public hearing in Denman on Thursday that the mine should go ahead because the new proposal to take 75 million tonnes of coal met the concerns raised by the commission last year.

"Let me be clear about what is at stake: 500 direct jobs, millions in state royalties and the reputation of the NSW planning system to support investment by approving a fully compliant state-significant project," Mr Bradley said in a statement.

Miners were angry when the commission rejected the previous, 100-million-tonne mine proposal, finding it was not in the public interest and put the sustainable industries of viticulture and thoroughbreds at risk because of blasting, dust and water issues.

The commission terminated the proposal despite the Department of Planning recommending approval.

The Lock The Gate alliance of farmers and environmentalists has criticised the NSW government for not legislating to create buffer zones around critical industries despite the clash with miners looming for years.

"It is mystifying that the government hasn't acted on community expectation and created clear no-go zones that protect our best farmland," Lock The Gate co-ordinator Georgina Woods said.

Anglo American has run an extensive publicity campaign in support of its mine, while high-profile opposition has come from trainer Gai Waterhouse, retailer and Magic Millions owner Gerry Harvey and broadcaster Alan Jones.

International racehorse breeders Coolmore and Darley have warned they may leave the Hunter Valley if the mine proceeds because of the health effect it would have on horses.

Anglo American has rejected the warning as "hollow threats".

Nearly 120 people will speak during Thursday and Friday at what will be the third time since 2013 that the commission has heard submissions on Drayton South.

source: http://www.9news.com.au