Overview

For more than 85 years, Appin Mine has produced high-quality metallurgical coal used for steelmaking, which is shipped around Australia and around the world.

The Appin Mine in the Macarthur region of New South Wales is an existing underground mine, primarily producing metallurgical coal. It is currently operating in the Douglas Park and Menangle areas.

An integral requirement of underground mining is adequate ventilation and mine access, to ensure a safe and efficient working environment for our people.

As Appin Mine moves further from existing surface infrastructure, we are constructing future infrastructure to support the mine which includes Ventilation Shaft No. 7, Ventilation Shaft No. 8 and mine access facilities. The infrastructure will be located at 345 Menangle Road and is known as the Appin Mine Ventilation and Access Project.

Ventilation Shaft No. 7 will be a downcast shaft, drawing fresh air into the mine. It will also double as an entry point to the mine for our people.

Ventilation Shaft No. 8 will be an upcast shaft, drawing air out of the mine.

  • Benefits

    Appin Mine began operating in 1960 as an underground longwall mine and remains an essential supplier to Australian steelmakers, including BlueScope Port Kembla Steelworks and Liberty Primary Steel Whyalla Steelworks.

    The new ventilation shafts and mine access facilities will ensure our people continue to work in a safe and efficient environment.

  • Environment

    The new ventilation shafts and mine access facilities will operate under strict environmental approval conditions set by the New South Wales Government. We take our environmental responsibilities seriously and understand the sensitivities of working nearby to residential communities. Environmental assessments have been developed and approved including noise, air quality, traffic, heritage and biodiversity. The Project has been designed to avoid or minimise impacts on the local community.

  • Approvals

    Following a comprehensive assessment process, the project was approved by the NSW government in April 2022. Our Construction Environment Management Plan (CEMP) has also been approved and provides specific environmental management and monitoring measures during construction, including minimising noise, dust, and visual impacts. The CEMP is available on our document library.
All documents relating to the Project approvals are available on the NSW Planning Portal, click here to access. open in new window

Execution Summary

Shaft Sinking Process

Drivethrough Visualisation - Appin Mine Ventilation and Access Project

LATEST UPDATES:

  • On 5 February 2025, the DPHI have granted approval to allow for blasting to be carried out on a 24/7 basis from the date of approval until 31 July 2025 (additional (administrative) approval required beyond this date).
  • The approval does not change the maximum of two blasts per 24-hour period at each of the ventilation shafts unless an additional blast is required following a misfire. It is also GM3’s preference to continue to blast during the day or evening shift where practical.

DHPI acknowledged:

  • noise attenuation works have now been completed at both Ventilation shafts 7 and 8;
  • monitoring from blasts undertaken in December 2024 and January 2025 have demonstrated compliance with maximum nighttime sleep disturbance noise criteria (54dBA), satisfying Condition 5 of Schedule 4A of the development consent;
  • GM3’s commitment to continue all monitoring, management and consultation activities outlined in the Construction Environment Management Plan;
  • Transition to 24/7 blasting would have the benefit of expediting construction schedule minimising impacts to the community.