In a major development for the future of mining in the Upper Hunter, Malabar Resources will purchase more than half of BHP’s Mount Arthur coal mine near Muswellbrook, securing ongoing employment and investment for the region beyond 2030.
Open-cut mining at Mount Arthur is scheduled to cease in June 2030, with BHP planning to exit thermal coal production in Australia. For the past three years, the company’s Transition and Closure Team has worked with local communities and governments to explore post-mining uses for the 7,000-hectare site.
Malabar has now finalised agreements to acquire several exploration and mining tenements, along with 3,700 hectares of land from BHP, in two stages. The company will also accept tailings from Mount Arthur between 2026 and 2030.
The new underground mine, to be known as Maxwell North, is expected to generate more than 300 long-term jobs and many additional indirect roles.
Malabar Executive Chairman Wayne Seabrook said the new project builds on the success of the nearby Maxwell Underground Mine.
“With 98% of our team based in the Upper Hunter, we’re proud to further invest in the region through Maxwell North and strengthen our commitment to the community we call home,” he said.
Existing agricultural tenants will continue operations uninterrupted, while Malabar says it will again work closely with local residents, employees and landholders as plans evolve.
The company already operates the Maxwell Underground Mine, is developing large-scale renewable projects including the 25MW Maxwell Solar Farm and 350MW Edderton Solar Farm, and is rehabilitating former mine sites for agriculture — including the Merton Vineyard and cattle grazing.
