The development application and environmental impact statement were lodged with the NSW Department of Planning, Infrastructure and Natural Resources this week, following 18 months of mine planning and impact studies.

 

The 190 million tonne Wilpinjong project has already committed 120Mt of coal to Macquarie Generation under a 19-year contract. Up to 40Mt will be exported via Newcastle over 20 years to electricity generators throughout Asia. Annual mine production is expected to hit 10Mt.

 

Excel will invest about $A80 million building the surface infrastructure and Thiess will provide mining equipment under an initial five-year operating contract.

 

Excel will hold five public information forums throughout June and July on the project.