The New South Wales government has approved a modification at Illawarra Coal Holdings’ Bulli Seam Operations coal mine, introducing a technology pilot that will reduce emissions.
Illawarra Coal will construct and operate a pilot regenerative thermal oxidiser at its Appin Mine ventilation site. This system will capture ventilation air and heat it to break down methane into carbon dioxide and water, reducing emissions released into the atmosphere.
It’s estimated that using the oxidiser to convert emissions from methane to carbon dioxide will reduce the mine’s greenhouse gas emissions by 36,000 tonnes each year when implemented at full scale. This is equivalent to removing 8,500 petrol cars from the road.
“The approval of this modification allows the Appin mine to improve its environmental performance while continuing to provide coal for steelmaking,” according to NSW Minister for Planning and Public Space Paul Scully.
Methane gas is one of the most potent greenhouse gases, and over 80 times more impactful than carbon dioxide. The approval marks a major step in advancing the use of emissions reduction technologies in the mining sector.
The Bulli Seam Operations primarily produces metallurgical coal for steelmaking. The approved modification does not change how much coal the project is able to extract.
The mine employs 1,100 people, and construction of the oxidiser is expected to create around 20 to 30 jobs over 12 months.
Minister for Finance and Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said the approval demonstrates the state’s commitment to sustainability.
“This is a good example of the investments being made by the coal mining industry to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, while continuing to extract the metallurgical coal critical to producing steel.
“This means fewer emissions and more jobs – a win for the environment and for the NSW economy.”