In a landmark move, the NSW EPA will become the first state environmental regulator to use its licensing regime to cut industry greenhouse gas emissions.
In a decision that will have important ramifications for BlueScope, South32 today abandoned its second attempt to expand its Dendrobium metallurgical coal mine.
South32 has been asked to identify additional ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions from its proposed Dendrobium mine extension, and it must also provide an independent assessment of the risks to BlueScope if the project doesn't go ahead.
MACH Energy has provided advice to the NSW Independent Planning Commission from top law firm Ashurst arguing that its consent decision for a mine expansion needn't be bound by the landmark Rocky Hill climate ruling.
A scientific committee that advises state and federal governments on coal mines has warned that South32's revised proposal to expand its Dendrobium project will still have severe and irreversible impacts.
MACH Energy appears set to avoid a mandatory condition to offset mine emissions, despite a senior NSW planning department executive saying offsetting would be desirable.