The Dartbrook underground coal mine near Aberdeen has been granted approval to operate for an additional six years, extending its authorised life from 2027 to 2033. The decision, known as Modification 8, was approved by the NSW Department of Planning, Environment and Infrastructure.
The consent allows the mine’s operators to extract up to six million tonnes of run‑of‑mine coal each year. The modification was publicly exhibited between 14 and 28 March 2025, attracting 11 submissions, including seven objections.
The NSW Resources Regulator noted that because the mine has spent long periods in care and maintenance, coal reserves have not yet been exhausted. However, concerns were raised about the reliance on a numerical mine‑impact model from the year 2000 as part of the application.
Dartbrook has a long and troubled history. Previous operator Anglo American mothballed the site in 2006 following persistent issues with flooding, gas, spontaneous combustion and three worker fatalities, and the state’s first case of black lung since the 1970s.
Submissions on the reopening also raised concerns that rehabilitation costs could reach tens of millions of dollars, with particular focus on the discharge of water into the Hunter River.
