Glencore started Mangoola as an 8Mtpa open cut mine in 2011 at a cost of $1.1 billion. It is now seeking to increase extraction rates to further lower unit production costs after a series of modifications that saw production incrementally increase.

The approval, which took into account a public meeting and a submission by the Muswellbrook Shire Council, makes way for an increase in equipment numbers to support higher mining intensity though the operation, which will remain a truck and shovel/excavator operation.

There will also be an increase in employee numbers to support additional equipment, operational needs and requirements.

Up to 150 additional staff will be employed over the next few years to meet peak operational capacity, and continue to maintain a safe and efficient operation.

Additionally, up to 90 full-time equivalent contractors may also be required and are considered in this assessment.

The company has won an amendment to blasting conditions to increase frequency of blasting from five to six blasts per week and a removal of the condition relating to maximum instantaneous charge (MIC).

One of the mine’s temporary ROM stockpile will be redefined to a permanent (life of mine) ROM stockpile.

Mangoola will also be able to use suitably mined waste rock for onsite gravel production.

Up to 50,000tpa of gravel may be crushed for use onsite and will be permitted to discharge saline water to the Hunter River under the rules and regulations of the Hunter River Salinity Trading Scheme (HRSTS).

The proposed extension will be undertaken within the existing approved project disturbance boundary, and achieved through efficiencies already realised at the CHPP, and relatively minor alterations to site infrastructure with expected minimal environmental consequences beyond the current approval, the company said.

No increase or extension to the approved project disturbance boundary is sought.