Glencore’s Ulan Coal Mine achieves government certification of rehabilitation

Media statement
Mudgee, Australia

Glencore's coal business continues to build on its positive track record of industry leading rehabilitation with 76 hectares of rehabilitated mined land at Ulan Coal Mine Complex receiving NSW Government sign-off.

The rehabilitation, equivalent to more than 95 football fields, 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 now provides habitat for a diverse range of native fauna and flora.

“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."

Ulan Coal's 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."

Glencore's Ulan Coal Mine Complex is one of New South Wales' longest running coal mining operations and produces thermal coal for export.

It comprises two underground mining operations - Ulan Underground and Ulan West Operations, which employ 650 people and last year produced more than 70 million tonnes of saleable coal. Last year Ulan coal mine contributed $7.3billion to the economy, including $349 million spend on goods and services with over 920 suppliers.

For further information, please contact:

Elise Pfeiffer
m: +61 408 095 530
e: Elise Pfeiffer

Francis De Rosa
m: +61 417 074 751
e: Francis De Rosa

Notes for editors

About Glencore Australia

In Australia, Glencore produces coal, copper, cobalt, nickel, zinc, lead and silver from 23 mining operations. We also operate metals processing assets in Queensland, 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 18,190 people in Australia and in 2022 contributed nearly $20 billion to the regional, state and national economies. This included spend of $10.4 billion with 7,370 businesses across the country, as well as $7.5 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.