Name and Location
Warkworth continuation project, New South Wales, Australia.

Client
Rio Tinto.

Project Description
The project involves the proposed extension of the existing Warkworth opencut coal mine, which is located about 8 km south-west of Singleton and about 3 km from Bulga, in the Hunter Valley.

The proposal includes the westward expansion of the mine to extract a further 230-million tons of coal over 21 years, with tailings and overburden to be transferred to the Mt Thorley mine.

Warkworth will continue to extract up to 18-million tons of run-of-mine coal a year and will use the existing coal transportation infrastructure.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Value
The project is estimated at $715-million.

Duration
Not stated.

Latest Developments
The New South Wales Planning and Assessment Commission has approved the second review of the project, subject to five recommendations being addressed.

These pertain to seeking confirmation from the Office of Environment and Heritage about the Aboriginal stakeholder consultation process; the strengthening of the relevant management plans to ensure ongoing monitoring of Warkworth Sands Woodlands regeneration activities; the strengthening conditions around the future management of final voids; the management of noncompliances or exceedances in air quality and noise limits; and further consideration of the social-impact assessment in relation to the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Rio Tinto principal adviser, media relations (Brisbane), Matthew Klar, tel +61 7 3625 4244.