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New South Wales water utility objects to extension of South32's Dendrobium mine

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New South Wales water utility objects to extension of South32's Dendrobium mine

The water authority in New South Wales, Australia, strongly objected to a planned extension of South32 Ltd.'s Dendrobium coking coal mine, due to the potential impact on Sydney-related water resources, Reuters reported Oct. 11, citing a submission to the New South Wales Department of Planning.

Previously, the miner filed applications with the state and federal governments to extend the life of the mine to 2048. Dendrobium forms part of the company's Illawarra operations.

A submission by WaterNSW to the New South Wales Department of Planning's major projects division said the operation must be reviewed in line with the latest policies and scientific understanding. It also noted that South32 failed to give sufficient information on alternative mine designs that would have a reduced environmental impact.

Under the current plan, the expected impact of the operation on water resources and ecology would be unacceptable, the water authority said, as it would impact the group's ability to protect and enhance the water quality and quantity for the Sydney catchment area.

The submission to the planning department also said the project would put 26 nearby swamplands in danger due to bedrock fracturing, which could change the ecological function of the swamps and make them more prone to fire.

In a statement to the newswire, South32 said it took its environmental responsibilities seriously and understood the region's sensitivities.