BHP has received approval to continue operating the Mount Arthur Coal Mine at Muswellbrook until the end of the decade.
The company is planning to close the site by 2030, and will rehabilitate the land.
A partnership’s being explored with Acciona Energia, based in Madrid, for a pumped hydro project.
Conceptual studies show it could support around 1000 jobs in the construction phase, and provide power for 500,000 homes every day.
BY PETER HYSLOP