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Wollongong Coal
ACN 111 244 896
ABN 28 111 244 896
Head Office
7 Princes Highway, cnr Bellambi Lane CORRIMAL NSW 2518
PO Box 281
FAIRY MEADOW NSW 2519
Phone +61 2 4223 6800
Fax +61 2 4283 7449
www.wollongongcoal.com.au
11 November 2015
Ms Luxmy Wigneswaran Market Announcements Office Australian Securities Exchange Level 4, 20 Bridge Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000 ASX Code: WLC
Dear Ms Wignewaran,
Please find attached a copy of media release in relation to a new report that backs integrated risk assessment findings: mining proposal poses no threat to Sydney's drinking water.
Thank you Sanjay Sharma
Company Secretary Ph: 02 4223 6830
Fax: 02 4283 7449
Email: [email protected]
Wollongong Coal Limited Ph : +61 (2) 4223 6800
Fax : +61 (2) 4223 7449
7 Princes Highway, Cnr Bellambi Lane Corrimal, NSW 2518 www.wollongongcoal.com.au
MEDIA RELEASE
New report backs integrated risk assessment findings: mining proposal poses no threat to Sydney's drinking water
11 November 2015
Wollongong Coal has welcomed confirmation from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) the company has satisfied residual matters raised by the Planning Assessment Commission (PAC) in its review of its proposed Underground Extension Project (UEP) at Russell Vale Colliery.
An Addendum Report released today by the Department recommends the Project's approval subject to strict conditions and confirms Wollongong Coal's plans reflect best practice to ensure the protection of the local environment.
The report states the UEP, 'would result in an unequivocal socio-economic benefit to the region and the State,' and the recommended conditions of approval, 'reflect current best practice for the regulation of underground mining projects in NSW, and would therefore protect the local environment and the amenity of the local community'.
Wollongong Coal Operations Manager Rhys Brett said the DPE report validated the findings of the integrated risk assessment (IRA) report on the UEP, undertaken by leading experts in the fields of groundwater, surface water, mine subsidence, rock mechanics and biodiversity.
'The UEP has been subject to an unprecedented level of scrutiny and this latest report yet again confirms the Project poses no threat to Sydney's drinking water or water supply,' Mr Brett said.
'DPE's Addendum Report adds further weight to the significant body of scientific evidence that puts to rest residual concerns about potential impacts on Sydney's drinking water, the Cataract Reservoir and upland swamps.
'The DPE has also recommended the Independent Risk Assessment Panel (IRAP) remain in place to provide additional oversight and expert advice on impacts in addition to strict operating conditions.
'The relevant experts agree the Project's potential impacts on groundwater and surrounding areas are minimal and within regulatory guidelines,' Mr Brett said.
Mr Brett said approval of the Project would allow Wollongong Coal to recommence extraction of high-quality coking coal for global steel markets.
'We will continue to work closely with the NSW Government to ensure the Project satisfies all requirements necessary to help secure a long-term future for mining in the Illawarra,' he said.
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Jonathon Moore
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0405 167 675
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Kimberley Ramplin
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0401 710 679
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