Baal Bone Colliery achieves government sign-off for 120 hectares of rehabilitation

Media statement
Newcastle, Australia

Glencore’s Baal Bone Colliery, north of Lithgow, has received government sign-off for 102 hectares (ha) of rehabilitated mined land.

The achievement represents Glencore’s third successful application for sign-off in New South Wales, following certification at Ulan Complex (52ha in 2020), near Mudgee, and Westside Open Cut (38ha in 2020), near Newcastle.

The latest certification is across two parts that were previously open cut mining areas and now represent safe, stable, and self-sustaining native woodlands.

Baal Bone Operations Manager, Mark Bulkeley, said government certification is a testament to the dedication of the workforce.

“The rehabilitation work was completed by employees and contractors drawn almost entirely from our local communities, all focussed on leaving the best possible post-mining legacy for the area,” Mark said.

“I’ve been working at Baal Bone since 1987 so I’ve been able to see all aspects of the operation, from production through to mine closure and completion of rehabilitation activities.”

“It’s exciting to be able to show that 102ha of previously mined land now meets all rehabilitation objectives and closure criteria set out by the Resources Regulator.”

Established in 1983, Baal Bone Colliery operated as an underground and open cut mine. It was later recognised as one of the most productive underground collieries in Australia, being the first to exceed production of three million tonnes of coal in a 12-month period.

Baal Bone closed as a mining operation in 2011 and played an important role for Glencore Coal as an employee training facility.

In April 2022, the site completed its mine closure works and has since moved into a monitoring and maintenance phase.

For further information, please contact:

Elise Pfeiffer
m: +61 456 215 045
e: Elise Pfeiffer

Notes for editors

About Glencore Australia

In Australia, Glencore produces coal, copper, cobalt, nickel, zinc, lead and silver from 25 mining operations. We also operate metals processing assets in Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory, including metals smelters, concentrators and refineries.

We are among Australia’s largest producers and marketers of natural resources, connecting Australian resources with industrial customers around the world. Through our diverse portfolio, we responsibly supply the resources that advance everyday life.

We employ 17,350 people in Australia and in 2021 contributed $14 billion to the regional, state and national economies. This included spend of $9.2 billion with 8,630 businesses across the country, as well as $2.9 billion in government tax and royalty payments.

We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace for our people, to respecting the environment, to engaging openly and constructively with the Traditional Owners on whose lands we operate and to bringing value to local communities.

Glencore recognises our responsibility to contribute to the global effort to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. Our ambition is to be a net zero total emissions company by 2050. In August 2021 we increased our medium-term emission reduction target to a 50% reduction by 2035 and introduced a new short-term target of a 15% reduction by 2026.

Learn more about Glencore Australia.