The NSW Government has provided Glencore with a certification of rehabilitation for 76 hectares of land at its Ulan coal mine complex.
The certification acknowledges that Glencore has met all closure criteria and objectives set by the Department of Planning and Environment and the NSW Resources Regulator.
According to Ulan coal environment and community manager Lucy Stuart, rehabilitating the land meant that native fauna and flora have a new habitat to call home.
“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,” Stuart 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.”
Ulan coal general manager Peter Ostermann said the achievement is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the workforce.
“This marks the second major milestone for our Ulan coal mine complex, having achieved Government certification on 50 hectares 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.”
The Ulan coal mine complex is one of NSW’s longest running coal operations, producing thermal coal for export and employing around 650 people.