Longwall mining

Longwall coal mining approval threatens Sydney water catchment

The NSW government has quietly approved longwall mining under the Sydney water catchment, reports Rachel Evans.

Public interest case to cost $40,000

Local campaign group Illawarra Residents for Responsible Mining (IRRM) have been told to pay $40,000 before their case challenging the expansion of a coal mine will be heard in the Land and Environment Court. Coal-mining company Gujarat are seeking approval to expand their coal mine in the residential area of Russell Vale, a suburb of Wollongong. The expansion will mean the company will mine seven times more coal a year compared to current levels, increasing the output to 3 million tonnes a year.