The ‘Spotlight on Coal’ report released by the NSW Net Zero Commission today acknowledges that coal mine expansions in NSW are not consistent with a safe climate or the NSW Climate Change Act, and that current planning controls are failing to address the problem.
NSW Labor established the Commission to provide such independent advice, at arms length from government, as the centerpiece of its 2023 Climate Change Act.
The report states that:
“Continued extensions or expansions to coal mining in NSW are not consistent with the emissions reduction targets in the Climate Change Act or the Paris Agreement temperature goals it gives effect to” and that
“Changes are required to the planning framework to ensure consent authorities undertake a rigorous assessment of the greenhouse gas emissions and climate change impacts of mines.
The report creates an immediate issue for Premier Chris Minns, whose government has approved 100% of the eight coal mine expansions put before it since being elected almost three years ago, with 18 further coal expansions currently proposed.
This includes the largest coal project ever proposed in NSW, the Hunter Valley Operations coal mine expansion, which is seeking approval in 2026.
The Commission also highlights that 86% of NSW coal is exported, with global demand now predicted to decline markedly and rapidly, and that proactive support is needed for affected regional communities to diversify economies.
Nic Clyde from Lock the Gate Alliance said that “This is a very important expert contribution that has arisen from the Commission set up by the NSW Government for exactly this purpose. It must now be heeded.
“There are 37 coal mines already operating in NSW and we can’t keep expanding them indefinitely. This report makes it clear that further expansions of those mines will cause severe harm to NSW communities, and that business as usual is not an option.
“This week, multiple NSW communities have been battling dangerous bushfires, which are becoming increasingly severe due to climate change fueled by coal mining and burning. Our safety and our survival depends on how the NSW Government responds to this report.
“Given the clarity of this advice that the NSW planning system is not fit for purpose, Lock the Gate is calling for an immediate moratorium on approval of any further coal expansions until the Commission’s clear findings have been implemented.
“We also call on Premier Minns to urgently scrap the Barilaro-era pro-coal ‘Strategic Statement on Coal’ which the Net Zero Commission today has found is in conflict with the achievement of NSW’s emissions reduction targets”.
For comment, contact Nic Clyde on 0438 282 409.
BACKGROUND
Coal expansions currently under assessment: Table updated 12 December 2025
|
Coal mine |
Expansion project |
New ROM coal proposed (Mt) |
Lifetime GHGs (Mt CO2-e) |
|
|
1 |
HVO |
430 |
809 |
|
|
2 |
Maules Creek |
117 |
241.71 |
|
|
3 |
Mount Pleasant |
75 |
150 |
|
|
4 |
RIx's Creek |
63.5 |
127 |
|
|
5 |
Ulan West |
47.5 |
105.3 |
|
|
6 |
Moolarben |
30 |
64.6 |
|
|
7 |
Boggabri |
30 |
68.82 |
|
|
8 |
Newstan |
25.8 |
65.36 |
|
|
9 |
Wilpinjong |
14 |
25.4 |
|
|
10 |
Dartbrook Mod 8 |
13.42 |
46.76 |
|
|
11 |
Chain Valley |
9.5 |
25.35 |
|
|
12 |
Angus Place |
8.5 |
17 |
|
|
13 |
Narrabri Coal |
6.8 |
13.6 |
|
|
14 |
Bloomfield |
5.8 |
13.1 |
|
|
15 |
Clarence |
5 |
10 |
|
|
16 |
Clarence |
4.3 |
8.6 |
|
|
17 |
Metropolitan |
3.2 |
10.7 |
|
|
18 |
Ulan |
18.8 |
41.8 |
|
|
908 |
1,844 |
Numbers in orange are LTGA estimates. All other numbers supplied by proponents to NSW DPHI.