Blog post authored by: Lucy Lavery Healthy Futures Intern 2024 (Bach of Applied Public Health)

Do You Know What the Hunter Valley Operations Is Doing to Our Future?

The Hunter Valley Operation (HVO) is a large coal mining project in mid-NSW. It consists of two open-cut coal mine sites separated by the Hunter River, whose mining operations are managed by Glencore. Glencore is currently seeking state and federal government approvals to expand the HVO. This is the biggest coal mine expansion ever proposed in NSW. The HVO facilities and the Hunter River, or otherwise known as the Coquun River, is situated on the Wonnarua People’s Traditional Lands. 

A Crisis in the Making: the HVO Coal Mine Expansion 

The proposal of a 25-year extension of the Hunter Valley Operations coal mine into 2050 proposes problematic and detrimental consequences for both the environment and our health. 

The extension would solidify HVO as one of the largest coal mines in the country. Here’s a closer insight into how this coal mine expansion is impacting our future:

Destructive Environmental Impacts

1. Increase in Emissions

The proposed HVO expansion would result in an estimated 400 million tonnes of coal mined, and 29 million tonnes of associated greenhouse gas emissions released.  Additionally, over the lifetime of the mine, total downstream emissions would be expected to reach another 1.167 million tonnes, with lifecycle emissions hitting 1.202 billion tonnes. This staggering amount of emissions will contribute directly to climate change and accelerate the impacts of global warming. 

2. Impact on Natural Vegetation

The extension plans would mean another 397 hectares of natural vegetation would be cleared out. The loss of greenery would contribute to increasing carbon emissions. Natural vegetation is crucial to absorbing carbon dioxide and supporting biodiversity. Removal or impact on natural vegetation also leads to reduced biodiversity. 

3. Water Resources at Risk

The HVO mine has already had severe impacts on water resources in NSW alone. Current operations have led to saline mine wastewater being let off into nearby waterways and extraction of water from the Hunter River. The proposed expansion would only exacerbate these issues by increasing the water extraction and usage.

The mines plan to use up to 7,900 megalitres of water annually for operations, which would only put further strain on the Hunter River and affect wetlands like the Kooragang Island in the Hunter region. The extended operation would also involve capturing and diverting large amounts of rainfall which leads to significant reduction in ground water and surface water levels. This could result in prolonged water scarcity and more detrimental impacts to our already stressed ecosystem. 

For a point of reference, on average, Sydney residents for example, each use about 200 litres of drinking quality water each day. 

Source: https://www.sydneywater.com.au/

Healthy Futures Says No to New Coal

With more hot and dangerous summers occuring due to climate change, the East Coast know what is is like to be on the brink of a drought, using close to 8,000 megalitres each year for operations at the mine extension would only further risk our water security in NSW.

1. Air Quality Concerns

The air quality in towns near the HVO, including Singleton and Muswellbrook, is already poor due to existing coal mining activities. The expansion would exacerbate this problem, with local communities facing deteriorating air quality for decades. In 2023 alone, the Hunter Valley experienced 164 air quality alerts, highlighting ongoing concerns about pollution levels. The exposed pits and mining activities are significant contributors to air pollution in the district.

What is an Air Quality Alert?

An air quality alert is a public notification issued when air pollution levels exceed certain thresholds, and pose health risks to the population. These alerts are issued to inform residents of elevated pollution levels and advise on protective measures. Frequent air quality alerts indicate ongoing issues with air pollution that require urgent attention and action. 

2. Health Risks from Air Pollution

Prolonged exposure to coal mining pollution associated with numerous health issues, including respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and increased mortality rates. The expansion of the HVO mine would further increase these health risks, exposing local communities to adverse health impacts from air pollution.

Source: lockthegate.org.au

The Toll on Australia’s Health

In Australia, the health costs associated with coal are concerning. Taxpayers will pay an estimated $2.4 billion annually due to coal-related health issues. We know that exposure to pollutants from coal can be associated with a range of health concerns like: 

• Increased rates of Childhood Asthma: Children living near coal-fueled power stations and mining operations are more likely to develop asthma. 
• Heart and Lung diseases: Long-term exposure can lead to chronic heart and lung diseases.
• Cancer: There is evidence linking coal pollution to certain types of cancer. 

It is important to recognise and address the hidden costs of coal to achieve a healthier future and economy. Over two million Australians are exposed to toxic pollutants from coal-fired power stations, putting them at risk. There has been re-emergence of coal dust diseases, including life-threatening black lung disease, also known as coal workers pneumonia. Since 2015, Australia has recorded 35 confirmed cases of the disease. 

Global Health Impact of Coal

Detrimental health impacts of coal are not limited to Australia. Globally, air pollution and coal emissions are causing major health concerns. In 2020, exposure to air pollution was responsible for 4.2 million deaths worldwide. Of these, 80% were due to human induced emissions with 35% directly related to burning of fossil fuels. Eliminating fossil fuels could extend average life expectancy by over a year and reduce the economic and health costs of fossil fuel use by nearly US$3 trillion. 

Coal-Related Mortality Around the World

China: In 2013, coal was responsible for 366,000 deaths.

India: Approximately 169,000 deaths are linked to coal each year. 

United States: 50,000 coal-related deaths are recorded each year, with air pollution contributing to the top five causes of mortality; these include heart disease, cancer, stroke and chronic respiratory diseases.

The Hunter Valley Operations Expansion Is Risking Our Future

The proposed extension of the HVO coal mine until 2050 poses a significant environmental and public health crisis. The projected increase in emissions, destruction of natural habitats, strain on water resources, and worsening air quality all highlight the urgent need for re-evaluation of this project.

Source: lockthegate.org.au

What Healthy Futures Is Doing About It

At Healthy Futures, we are advocating for the phase-down of all coal and gas mining in Australia and a stop to new coal projects like this one. 

There is NSW Government consultation coming up where Healthy Futures will argue the case against allowing the HVO expansion.   

The mine expansion needs to be assessed by the state’s planning department and then the Independent Planning Commission. The HVO expansion will also need federal environmental approval. 

Healthy Futures is particularly concerned that the EPA has said the expansion would directly emit nearly 30 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, with only under half of that currently allocated to be offset, leaving the other half yet to be abated. 

Healthy Futures will be lobbying the state government and relevant regulatory bodies to say no to this new coal expansion and to safeguard against harm from coal mining.