Stratford / Duralie production was up 32% on the previous quarter and down 17% on the year prior, due to the cessation of mining at the Stratford open cut last year.
The proposed Stratford extension project has the potential to provide 21.5 million tonnes per annum ROM coal over 10 years at a rate of 2.6Mtpa.
The extension project received final state approval from the New South Wales Planning Assessment Commission in June.
The project is based on extracting up to 13.8Mt of thermal and coking coal (out of up to 21.5Mtpa run of mine).
The project could potentially create up to 250 new jobs if it goes ahead too, although it still requires federal environmental approval and will also need to be economically viable.
Consequently Yancoal, which is primarily focused on advancing its Moolarben underground expansion plans in the state, is also yet to indicate any potential start dates for Stratford-related construction activity as coal prices continue to struggle.
Mining at Statford ceased due to weak coal prices in 2013, with a few staff remaining at the processing plant to produce coal from the nearby Duralie mine (20km south).
The synergies between the Gloucester Basin sites were noted by the PAC in its approval.
“The commission supports the project, as it allows for the rational and efficient extraction of a coal resource within an existing mine, and ensures the continuation of its strong association with the nearby Duralie mine,” PAC said.
