Coal news and updates

West Coast coal miner outlines plans under fast-track proposal

The owner of New Zealand’s biggest opencast coal mine – Bathurst Resources – is about to embark on a round of community meetings on the West Coast to explain its plans to secure and expand its mining operations on the Stockton plateau.

The company has been selected to apply under the Government’s fast-track legislation for consents that would allow it to keep mining coal for a further 25 years.

Bathurst managers made their pitch this week in a presentation to the West Coast Tai Poutini Conservation Board meeting in Hokitika.

The company’s environmental manger Campbell Robertson acknowledged the comment by chair Mike Legge that the board was not a decision-making authority.

"But the [fast-track] commissioners will have to consult with you on the process, and we are happy to come back and talk to you again, with more detailed information."

Bathurst is proposing to extend its mining operations via continuation of existing consents and securing new mining areas on the Buller Plateau, the board heard.

"Most of the current consents for Stockton are due to expire in 2027... so this project — the Buller Plateaux Continuation Project — is about keeping Stockton happening and sustaining production into the future."

The project was critical for the Buller and national economy, the company said.

The high-grade Stockton coal was exported for steel making, and to produce it, Bathurst employed 317 people, another 72 full-time contractors, and paid salaries and wages of $27.8 million.

Millions injected into local economy

For the 12 months to March 2024, the company had spent almost $75.9 million with 127 businesses in Buller and West Coast, and donated $800,000 to community organisations on the West Coast, the company told the Conservation Board.

Te Runanga o Ngati Waewae representative on the board, Francois Tumahai, who is a non-executive director of Bathurst, took no part in the presentation or discussion.

Key elements of the project included developing a link between the Denniston and Stockton Plateaux to transport coal, plant and personnel between the two areas, the board heard.

It’s proposed that a haul road be constructed that links the Denniston and Stockton Plateau through the Upper Waimangaroa Valley, about 12km in length and with 4km being new construction.

The remaining 8km would involve upgrading existing roads or tracks and would connect with the Cypress haul road to take coal to the Stockton coal processing plant.

The company is also proposing extensions to the old Escarpment mine license area - currently under care and maintenance, on the Denniston Plateau.

"A new consent will be submitted to replace its current approval."

The project is located primarily on land within the Mt Rochfort Conservation Area, administered by the Department of Conservation.

Once fully operational coal would be trucked to Denniston via the Upper Waimangaroa Coal Transport corridor, the company said.

Next steps leading up to Bathurst’s fast-track application in the New Year included continued engagement with iwi and other stakeholders and working through feasibility studies, the company said.

It was planning to begin community consultation early next month, Robertson told the Conservation Board.