The project will increase open cut extraction within Mount Pleasant Operation mining leases by mining of additional coal reserves, including lower coal seams in North Pit.

The EIS states the company is proposing a staged increase in extraction, handling and processing of run-of-mine coal up to 21 million tonnes per annum through a progressive increase in the mining rate from 10.5Mtpa over the project life.

It is seeking staged upgrades to the existing coal handling and prep plant and coal handling infrastructure to facilitate the handling and processing of additional coal.

Mach Energy is also seeking to transport up to approximately 17Mtpa of product coal to domestic and export customers by rail; make upgrades to workshops, electricity distribution and other ancillary infrastructure; and relocate existing infrastructure to aid the mining extensions.

The company also proposes building and operating water management and water storage infrastructure in support of the mine and additional reject dewatering facilities to allow co-disposal of fine rejects with waste rock as part of RoM waste rock operations.