Mining under the Aquifer?

There is a rumour going around that there might soon be Coal mining under the Kangaloon Aquifer.

We are trying desperately to find out more, as fast as we can.

The NSW Dept of Primary Industries Website (Minerals and Petroleum - New mines and projects page) states:

"In the Southern Coalfield, the Bellpac No. 1 mine was sold in early December 2004 to large Indian coke maker, Gujarat NRE Coke Ltd. Gujarat officially opened the mine, renamed Gujarat NRE No. 1, in March 2005.

"In July 2005 Gujarat also announced that it had entered into an agreement to purchase the former Avondale Colliery and part of the Huntley Colliery leases. Subject to necessary Government approvals, Gujarat proposes to reopen the mine as NRE Avondale. In February 2006 Gujarat lodged a major projects application with the NSW Government for Stage 2 of the proposal." (Souce NSW DPI website).

There is more information on the history of the old Huntley Mine at the Illawarra Coal website.