Mt Arthur Coal
Information for community and stakeholders on our Pathway to 2030 and beyond
2030 Approval received
In April, BHP received approval from the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to continue mining at Mt Arthur Coal for an additional four years, as part of the planned closure of the site in June 2030.
The Approval provides more certainty for our people, the community, suppliers and local businesses and enables time to continue working collaboratively on plans to cease mining and, subject to future approvals, transition the site to its next productive use in 2030.
BHP commits to a $30 million Upper Hunter Community fund
BHP is committing to a $30 million community fund to support the Upper Hunter as it prepares for the responsible closure of the Mt Arthur Coal mine in 2030.
The fund will be delivered in partnership with the community through a shared decision-making model and will prioritise initiatives which:
• support job creation, entrepreneurship and industry diversification;
• support education and training opportunities;
• enhance social, cultural and recreational wellbeing of local residents;
• improve physical and mental health outcomes for residents of the Upper Hunter;
• support the protection of Aboriginal heritage, historic heritage and cultural landscapes; and
• support Indigenous entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
BHP partners with ACCIONA Energia for Pumped Hydro Study
BHP has partnered with renewable energy and infrastructure company ACCIONA Energía to explore the potential development of a pumped hydro energy storage project at Mt Arthur Coal.
Our conceptual studies show that a pumped hydro energy storage project at Mt Arthur Coal has the potential to support around 1,000 jobs within the Upper Hunter in the construction phase, contribute to ongoing economic activity in Muswellbrook; and provide power for up to 500,000 homes across NSW every day.
Community Newsletter
February 2025 community newsletter out now
Understanding Community Perspectives on Mine Closure
Since 2022, members of the Transition and Closure team have been actively engaging and listening to residents that live in and around the operation to help understand their views and priorities for life after mining in 2030.
In 2024, we made further efforts to deepen our understanding of community views through a dedicated and intensive engagement exercise, partnering with independent researchers Iceni.
The Understanding Community Perspectives on Mine Closure Report is now available.
Get in touch
Do you have a question or comment you would like to raise with the Pathway team? Click here to ask a question or leave the team some feedback.
P: 1800 882 044
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Pathway to 2030
In June 2022 following a review of all available options, BHP made the decision to cease mining at Mt Arthur Coal in 2030 as part of a responsible pathway to closure for the operation.
We remain committed to responsible closure of Mt Arthur Coal in 2030.
This seven-year timeframe affords the opportunity to consult, prepare, plan and make thoroughly considered, long-term decisions for the future of our people and surrounding communities.
People, planet, prosperity.
To deliver a positive legacy from BHP mining in the Hunter Valley. That’s our vision.
Operational information
Blast schedules, Community Consultative Committee meeting information, environmental monitoring and more can all be found on the Regulatory Information section of the BHP website.
Alternate mine land re-use: imagining what might be possible
Our aspiration is to deliver sustainable landforms and land uses which can provide a positive legacy for generations to come post Mt Arthur Coal’s closure.
The scale of the land (7,000+ hectares), the existing infrastructure of the mine and operation, the proximity to rail and other industry represents an opportunity for the Upper Hunter post 2030.
Mining beyond 2026
BHP has submitted a Modification Report to the Department of Planning and Environment for Mt Arthur Coal to continue mining operations beyond the current approval which expires in June 2026.
This is a major milestone on the Pathway to 2030 and one that will ensure we have time to implement equitable closure plans.
Visualising Mt Arthur Coal at 2030
As part of the Modification, we are seeking some changes to the final landform of the Mt Arthur Coal mine.
We have developed interactive virtual tools to help visualise what the future landform is proposed to look like.
Take a look at the 360-degree aerial view of the progressive rehabilitation at Mt Arthur as well as a realistic visualisation of what motorists will see driving along key roads near the site.
Tomorrow, Together
BHP has a long history in the Hunter Valley dating back to the early 1900s and we will work closely and in partnership with the workforce on their pathway to 2030, transition and closure.
Tomorrow, Together aims to support BHP employees to identify a pathway post closure most appropriate for each individual’s circumstances.
A series of engagement sessions, training and support will be provided over the next 7 years to adequately prepare and plan with our team for their future.