Peabody seeks 22 new longwalls at Metropolitan Mine, sparking job and water-catchment debate
Peabody has filed a scoping report to add 22 underground longwalls to its Metropolitan coal mine near Helensburgh, drawing strong union backing but fierce opposition from the Greens over water-catchment impacts.
Peabody submitted a scoping report to the New South Wales government to commence the State Significant Development process for 22 additional underground longwall tunnels west of its existing Metropolitan Mine near Helensburgh, aiming to operate until 2044 and produce about 31 million tonnes of run-of-mine coal. The company argues the project will safeguard roughly 400 jobs, support 450 suppliers and continue feeding BlueScope’s Port Kembla steelworks.
The Mining and Energy Union district secretary Andy Davey praised the plan as vital for workers and the local community, disputing claims that mining will drain water from the catchment. Conversely, NSW Greens spokesperson Sue Higginson and Wollongong councillor Deidre Stuart contend the expansion endangers the Woronora Reservoir and surrounding swamps, citing one outlet Expert Scientific Committee report that found the modelling inadequate.
Peabody points to a 2018 expert panel that found no evidence of fractures linking underground work to surface water, and proposes design measures to limit subsidence. The Planning Minister Paul Scully has requested additional impact information and technical advice before any full application is considered, which would trigger an environmental assessment and public exhibition.
Why it matters
The proposal pits regional employment and steel supply against the protection of Sydney's drinking-water source.
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