Coal mining has been a part of the West Coast and Buller Plateaux for well over 100 years and our Buller Coal Plateaux Continuation Project (the Project) proposes to continue that tradition.
Bathurst Resources Limited (BRL), including its joint venture company BT Mining (BT Mining), is seeking authorisation through the Fast Track Approvals Act (FTA) 2024 to continue the mining of coal resources on the Buller Coal Plateaux.
Coal mining has been a part of the West Coast and Buller Plateaux for well over 100 years and our Buller Coal Plateaux Continuation Project (the Project) proposes to continue that tradition.
The Buller Coal Plateaux Project Area comprises the existing Stockton and Cypress mines, the existing consented Escarpment and Sullivan pits with new authorisations over Mt Frederick South (an area previously mined). The coal found in these areas produce high quality metallurgical coal for steelmaking. Metallurgical coal (otherwise referred to as coking coal) is identified as a critical mineral in New Zealand because its supply supports economic growth both domestically and overseas.
If approved, our Project will:
- utilise the same mining methods and maintain coal production at similar rates;
- continue to use our existing Stockton coal handling preparation plant and logistics infrastructure, including Ngakawau load out facility;
- upgrade and extend an existing road on the Plateaux to connect the southern mining areas to Stockton;
- continue our proven commitment to environmental management and rehabilitation practices, progressively rehabilitating as we go, and with the incorporation of contemporary standards;
- ongoing employment of our experienced committed local staff and contractors;
- flow on economic effects through strategic alliance and supply chain partners, and
- continue to make a significant social and economic contribution to Westport, the West Coast region and the New Zealand economy for a further 25 years.
What is the Purpose of the Fast-track Approvals Process?
The purpose of the FTA Act is to facilitate the delivery of infrastructure and development projects that are considered to have significant regional and / or national benefits. An expert panel considers all required approvals for a project as a single application and can grant approval under various acts including the Resource Management Act 1991. The Buller Coal Plateaux Continuation Project is one of 149 projects that are listed in Schedule 2 of the FTA Act that can be considered for approval.
The Project has undergone a robust assessment of its environmental and mine planning feasibility to ensure that the Project can be assessed accurately and efficiently under the FTA Act. In terms of the primary purpose of the FTA Act, our mining operations make a significant contribution to the Westport community, the West Coast and New Zealand.
Our Socio-economic Contribution
Across our Group of companies , we employ over 670 people and in 2024 contributed $388 million to the New Zealand economy. If approved, the Project will continue to have a positive social and economic benefit for Buller, the West Coast and to greater New Zealand demonstrated via:
- providing for the retention of approximately 390 direct jobs in the Buller area and an
- additional 50 jobs outside of the Buller area;
- salaries and wages that amount to around $27M with approximately 96% of the workforce residing in the Buller District, with 84% residing in Westport and its immediate surrounds;
- support over 125 businesses across the West Coast with an annual expenditure of around $75M;*
- contribute to a range of community programs and organisations through sponsorships and charitable donations across the region
*Figures based on the period 12 months ending 31 March 2024.
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Assessment of Environmental Effects
Independent consultants are preparing environmental assessment reports which will quantify the mining and environmental risks and will form part of the assessment and approval process. This involves the assessment of various mine design scenarios and environmental studies in order to reduce our environmental impact while maintaining economic viability of the Project. The studies that are currently underway are listed in the table below.
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Rehabilitation
Throughout the life of the Project, progressive rehabilitation will be undertaken which includes design to a final landform and extensive revegetation. The final landform, decommissioning and removal of infrastructure is undertaken at the completion of mining.
Current activities demonstrate our proven commitment to environmental management and rehabilitation. Monitoring of our environmental performance will continue to ensure the rehabilitation objectives continue to be achieved.
Stakeholder Engagement
Bathurst is committed to engaging with stakeholders throughout the Project to ensure that up to date information is provided.
If you wish to register interest in the project to receive updates, or have any specific questions, please email westport@bathurst.co.nz with your details, including your preferred method of communication, and we will be in touch.
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