generated by gas leaks during mining, could increase significantly if its extended by 13 years to 2044 upon Whitehaven’s request. “The mine is considered to be a relatively gassy mine,” the Department’s executive director Clay Preshaw said. This would mean that the project would be out of step with the NSW government’s policy goals on achieving net zero carbon emissions by mid-century. “This project would, if it were operating today, emit more Scope 1 greenhouse gas pollution than any other thermal coal mine in Australia,” NSW community coordinator with the Lock the Gate Alliance, Nic Clyde, noted.
Methane generated by coal mines comprise the largest share of total emissions of the toxic gas in the Trans-Tasman nation, according to Anatoli Smirnov from London-based energy think-tank Ember. This would only be exacerbated by the extension of the Narrabri mine. “[The International Energy Agency] thinks that we should target reductions of 75 per cent of [methane] emissions by 2030 … and we haven’t really even started going in this direction,” he said.
Meanwhile, Whitehaven Coal is arguing that its product is among the world’s cleanest, and that the mine would continue to support over 500 jobs if the extension is approved. Business representatives from the region also remain optimistic about its potential benefits, although some members of the local community claim the approval would give “false hope” about the sustainability of the coal industry. Boggabri landholder Sally Hunter also questioned why an extension of the mine was being considered nine years ahead of when it would come into effect. “This is like me booking my child into university before he even starts grade three,” she said.
