1.2.3.1.8 Drayton Mine Extension Project

The Drayton Mine Extension Project plans to extend the life of Drayton Mine by a further 15 years. Based on current operations, mining is expected to finish at Drayton in 2015. The extension project aims to access 75 Mt of thermal coal for export, maintaining an average extraction rate of 6 Mt/year ROM coal (with maximum rate of 7 Mt/year) using excavator and dragline (Hansen Bailey, 2014, p. 1). The project plans to use existing assets and infrastructure at Drayton Mine, and will progressively rehabilitate mine areas as resources are exhausted

The proponent claims that the Drayton Mine Extension Project addresses NSW Government concerns that previously led to refusal of the Drayton South Project, and that the project includes provision of a sufficient buffer zone to nearby horse studs, to protect equine health in neighbouring areas. The project applicant is AAMC, the current managers of the existing operations, and is the controlling partner of the Drayton Joint Venture and the Drayton South Venture along with Mitsui Coal Development (Australia) Pty Ltd, Mitsui Mining Australia Pty Ltd, Hyundai Australia Pty Ltd and Daesung Australia Ltd (Hansen Bailey, 2014, p. 6). On 19 December 2014, the NSW Director General’s requirements for the environmental assessment were issued, providing specific instructions on issues that must be addressed in the EIS including, for example, air quality impacts, likely impacts on local horse studs, noise, land and water (NSW Department of Planning and Environment, 2014c, p. 2−3). No new changes have been identified as at 25 March 2015.