09 April 2026
The NSW Independent Planning Commission has today approved the Chain Valley Colliery Consolidation Project (SSD-17017460), but has limited the supply of all extracted coal to the Vales Point Power Station only. Delta Power & Energy (Chain Valley) Pty Ltd sought approval to consolidate the existing development consents for Chain Valley Colliery and Mannering Colliery into one new development consent, extend the mine life by two years to 31 December 2029, allow coal extraction of up to 2.8 million tonnes per annum for the combined operations, including additional coal extraction within approved mining areas beneath Lake Macquarie.
The three-member Commission Panel of Professor Neal Menzies AM (Chair), Juliet Grant and Dr Bronwyn Evans AM met with key stakeholders, conducted a site inspection and locality tour, held a public hearing and received 504 written submissions.
In its Statement of Reasons for Decision, the Commission found the project will ensure reliable coal supply to the existing Vales Point Power Station which will support NSW’s baseload electricity needs as it transitions to renewable energy. The approval does not allow mining activities beyond the current mining boundaries.
The Commission considered issues raised in community submissions and expert materials, including concerns about air quality, traffic, subsidence, biodiversity, water quality, energy security, economic impacts and the contribution of greenhouse gas emissions from the project to climate change.
The approved mine will operate within its existing footprint, use existing infrastructure and avoid new land disturbance. The Commission has applied strict conditions to avoid, minimise and manage a range of environmental and other impacts. Coal movements will be via the existing conveyor system that supplies Vales Point Power Station, with no option to truck any coal for international export or to other domestic customers. The time-limited period of the approval is consistent with NSW’s decarbonisation strategy and the State’s 2030 emissions reduction targets, avoiding prolonged reliance on coal‑fired generation beyond what is necessary for a stable transition to renewable energy.
All documents relating to the assessment and determination of this proposal can be found on the Commission’s website: https://www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/cases/chain-valley-colliery-consolidation-project.