Lithgow is a mining area, and LEG aims to keep a close watch on:
Development Applications for new mine proposals
Modifications and extensions to existing mining operations
Environmental performance of POEO Licenced mines
Rehabilitation of operational and abandoned mines
Water quality monitoring downstream of mines
Participation on various Community Consultative Committees
Networking with other local and regional environment groups
Health and public safety impacts on air quality, drinking water, amenity, landscapes
On-ground monitoring of mine subsidence damage to cliffs, pagodas, headwater stream, flora, fauna and swamp communities
There are three main mining methods used locally - Bord & Pillar, Open-cut and Long Wall.
Local Operational Mines
As of 1 March 2017 there are only three (3) operational mines in the Lithgow Region. Together they produce about 7.8 million tonnes of coal each year.
Nine mines have recently either closed, or placed on ‘care & maintenance, or have Development Applications pending. They are -
Operating Mines
Springvale Colliery – Longwall mine
Clarence Colliery – Continuous Miner
Airly Mine - Continuous Miner
Recently Closed or on Care & Maintenance
Angus Place Colliery: Centennial Coal – Longwall Mine - Care and Maintenance since March 2015
Baal Bone Colliery: Xstrata – Longwall Mine – closed 2012
Charbon Colliery: Centennial Coal - Continuous Miner and Open cut – closed 2014
Cullen Valley Mine: Castlereagh Coal Pty Ltd – Open Cut Mine/Care and Maintenance
Invincible Colliery – Open Cut Mine/care and maintenance
Enhance Place Mine: Enhance Place Pty Ltd – Open Cut Mine – closed approximately 2006
Ivanhoe North Mine: Centennial Coal – Open Cut Mine – closed 2012
Lambert's Gully Mine: Centennial Coal – Open Cut Mine – ceased operating as an open cut mine in 2010, and the site is now known as Western Coal Services
Pine Dale Mine: Energy Australia – open cut mine - Care and Maintenance since approximately 2011
Development Applications Pending:
Invincible Colliery: Castlereagh Coal- open cut mine - Care and Maintenance since approximately 2012
