Wallarah 2 Coal Project
| Company type | Joint venture |
|---|---|
| Industry | Coal mining |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Founder | Wyong Areas Coal Joint Venture |
| Headquarters | Wyong , Australia |
Area served | Export markets |
| Products | Thermal coal |
| Parent | Korea Resources Corporation (KORES) and partners |
The Wallarah 2 Coal Project (W2CP) represents a proposed underground coal mining operation spearheaded by Korea Resources Corporation (KORES), a South Korean government entity, in partnership with Korean and Japanese mining firms through the Wyong Areas Coal Joint Venture. This initiative targets the establishment of a longwall coal mine situated near Wyong, New South Wales, Australia. The NSW Department of Planning is presently evaluating the proposal, which had been previously declined by the Keneally Government shortly before the 2011 State election.
Proposal
In 1995, following a competitive bidding process, the NSW Government allocated exploration rights for this venture to the Wyong Areas Coal Joint Venture. The developers have committed approximately $80 million towards exploratory drilling, geological assessments, environmental evaluations, and engagement with stakeholders. The project proposes an annual output ranging between 4 and 5 million tonnes of thermal coal suitable for export markets, with an operational lifespan projected at 28 years.
Essential infrastructure such as a coal loading facility, stockpiling areas, and rail connections are planned to be positioned no closer than 3 kilometres from one of the Central Coast’s major urban expansion zones, which includes the future Warnervale town centre.
Opposition and rejection of previous proposal
Progress was impeded by numerous investigations, including an independent review led by former NSW Liberal leader Kerry Chikarovski, alongside significant resistance from local communities on the Central Coast concerned about environmental consequences and electoral ramifications.
The Australian Coal Alliance emerged as an organized opposition group actively campaigning against the mine and publicly criticizing the NSW Labor Government for not stopping the development.
David Harris, the former Labor representative for Wyong, voiced his opposition due to worries over noise pollution, dust emissions, and potential effects on the Wyong Employment Zone at Warnervale. Nonetheless, his decision to accept a Parliamentary Secretary position attracted criticism from activists who questioned his commitment to their cause.
Prior to the 2011 State election, the NSW Opposition pledged to prevent the mine’s advancement. On the final day in office for the Keneally Government, Minister Tony Kelly announced that approval for the project would not be granted. Harris attempted to attribute this outcome to his efforts but was defeated in that election.