Harriet Kater, Climate Lead (Australia) at the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility, said closing the mine instead of selling it was the right call. “Use of asset divestment as a tool to lower carbon footprints and avoid responsible closure is not acceptable,” she said.

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Lock the Gate Alliance national co-ordinator Carmel Flint said the environmental group was pleased that BHP was closing the mine, although it would have liked it to happen in 2026 rather than 2030.

“This is a very significant step by BHP, and the absence of buyers for the mine sends an incredibly strong message that thermal coal is in decline globally, as customer countries act on climate change.”

The Mount Arthur mine has been digging up coal since 2002 and employs 2000 people. NSW Minerals Council chief executive Stephen Galilee said the decision to seek an extension to 2030 would give those who rely on the mine years to work and plan for the future.

“While the Mount Arthur mine is a large operation, it is just one of nearly 40 coal mines operating across NSW, and 17 operating in the local region,” he said.

“Fifteen other local coal mines in the Upper Hunter either have approvals already in place or are seeking approvals to continue mining to 2035 or beyond, with several seeking extensions to operate beyond 2040.”

with AAP

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