Tag: New Acland

New Acland: Waiting for the green light

New Acland: Waiting for the green light

Impetus is growing for the Queensland State Government to approve New Hope Groups’s New Acland Stage 3 project. The planned expansion to the existing mine, which had an environmental impact assessment carried out in 2010, aims to extend the operating life of the mine to about 2042, with annual production tipped to rise to 7.5mt. Yet now, 10 years on – despite the many economic benefits that the project would bring – the miner is still awaiting the green light. Shadow State Development minister Andrew Powell is among many who have questioned the Government’s motives for stalling approvals. After visiting the New Acland site, he said he was impressed by the operation, particularly the rehabilitation work being done. “The rehabilitation is outstanding,” he said. “It’s hard to believe...

New Hope: staying power

New Hope: staying power

New Hope managing director Shane Stephan. Image: New Hope Group. Demand for coal fired power is expected to increase in the coming decades, both at home and abroad. Emma Davies spoke with New Hope Group managing director Shane Stephan about its Bengalla mine, flow on effects of Stage 3 at New Acland and his outlook for coal exports to Asia. Q. What steps did you take to achieve a 5 per cent increase in production in FY18 to 9 million tonnes? It was really due to a 10 per cent increase in the production out of Bengalla in NSW. Multiple things drove the production improvements from Bengalla; investments were made in 2016 in improving pit room which enabled...

Acland expansion gets Federal approval

Acland expansion gets Federal approval

New Acland mine. Image: New Hope Group By Elizabeth Fabri NEW Hope Group’s long-awaited New Acland expansion is one step closer to development after receiving Federal Government approval in January. The New Acland Stage 3 Continuation Project gained Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) approval but still required State Government Mining Lease, Environment Authority, and Associated Water License approvals before a final investment decision could be made. New Hope Group managing director Shane Stephen said the approvals proved the environmental credentials of the project “stacked up”. "It’s positive news for the local community as it provides optimism for the continuity of operations at New Acland and the increased economic activity associated with the construction of the project,” Mr Stephen said....