Glencore achieves government certification of rehabilitation for Ulan

Glencore has received NSW Government sign-off for 76ha of rehabilitated mined land at its Ulan coal mine complex.

The rehabilitation has met all closure criteria and objectives set by the Department of Planning and Environment and the NSW Resources Regulator.

Ulan Coal’s environment and community manager Lucy Stuart said the rehabilitation provides habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna.

“The certification covers two former open cut mining areas that now comprise 57 hectares of red iron bark and grey box forest, and 79 hectares of native woodland,” she said.

“Our detailed monitoring programs have identified the presence of eight threatened species within these areas, including the painted honeyeater and glossy black cockatoo, which is a fantastic result.”

Glencore’s Ulan coal mine complex is one of NSW’s longest running coal mining operations and it produces thermal coal for export. It comprises of two underground mining operations which produced more than 70mt of saleable coal last year.

Ulan coal general manager Peter Ostermann said the rehabilitation is a testament to the experience and dedication of the workforce.

“This marks the second major milestone for our Ulan coal mine complex, having achieved government certification on 50ha of rehabilitation back in 2020,” he said.

“Our process involves planning rehabilitation as early in a mine’s life as possible and ensures it is resourced, budgeted and delivered.”