With the Stage 1 Modification 9 approval, the company will be able to extract an additional 30 million tons of run of mine (ROM) coal over the life of the mine.
Yancoal holds 80% stake in the mine, which currently operates at a capacity of eight million tons per annum.
The Stage 1 project includes three open cut mines – OC1, OC2 and OC3, one underground mine (UG4), a coal handling and preparation plant (CHPP), in addition to a raw and product coal stockpiles, a rail loop and rail loader and office and workshop support facilities.
Subject to regulatory approval, the Moolarben Stage 2 project would double production and increase Yancoal’s production by more than 25% over five years.
The stage 2 project comprises one open cut (OC4), two underground coal mines (UG1 and UG2), and additional infrastructure.
On reaching full production, the coal complex is expected to produce 17 million tons per annum of ROM coal, and employ 450 people.
