Glencore and joint venture partner Yancoal Australia have received approval from the New South Wales Independent Planning Commission to expand their Hunter Valley Operations (HVO). The decision follows a six-year regulatory process and will extend the life of the open-cut mines by nearly two decades.
The project allows mining to continue at HVO North until 2045 and HVO South until 2042. It secures continued employment for approximately 1,500 workers. Glencore operates the site and holds a 49% stake, while Yancoal owns 51%.
The approval includes conditions requiring the companies to limit exports to countries with policies aligned with the Paris Agreement. The decision has been praised for providing economic stability to the region, but environmental groups have raised concerns about the project’s climate impact.
The project still requires federal government environmental approval, which is anticipated by the end of December 2026.