We have made a decision to retain Mt Arthur Coal and cease mining operations in June 2030, pending relevant government approvals. We believe BHP is in the best position to undertake a comprehensive pathway to closure program as we have operated the site since 2001.

Importantly, nothing is changing right now. BHP will continue to safely operate the site as it has done since 2001. We will commence working with our key stakeholders on this decision and commence the approval process to secure mining approval until 2030. 

In reaching this outcome, we assessed a wide variety of considerations including offers received through the Divestment Review, mine life planning and resource quality as well as financial performance. We concluded Mt Arthur Coal’s commercial viability was limited beyond the 2030s. Or certainly not secure enough to warrant the significant capital investment and effort that would be required in the near term for mining beyond 2030. 

In making this decision, we balanced our corporate strategy, our responsibility to shareholders and understanding their expectations, along with broader societal expectations and commitments, including those of the local communities in which Mt Arthur Coal operates. This outcome was the best financial outcome and best addressed all concerns while aligning with our portfolio strategy.

We evaluated a range of timelines and believe that around 2030 will allow us with enough time to undertake a responsible pathway to closure with a focus on workforce and community empowerment. 

A thorough bidder engagement process was executed to identify parties who satisfied our joint objectives of realising shareholder value and demonstrating a robust commitment to the community, environment and progressive rehabilitation. Unfortunately, this did not eventuate in a viable offer and when taking all factors into consideration, BHP’s continued ownership and operation of this site across the next 8 years was a better and more certain outcome for everyone.

The short answer is because that’s not in our team or the wider community’s best interests. Mt Arthur Coal sits at the very heart of Muswellbrook, it is the largest coal mine in the region and plays an important role right across the Hunter Valley. We owe it to you to be certain that this site continues to be operated safely and responsibly from an environmental, community and social value perspective.

We have made this decision based on the value of Mt Arthur Coal post 2030. This decision takes into consideration a range of financial and economic factors. It also fully aligns with our corporate strategy, responsibility to shareholders and their expectations, along with broader societal expectations and commitments, including those of the local communities in which Mt Arthur Coal operates.

As previously communicated we are concentrating our coal portfolio on higher grade coking coals. We have made this decision based on the value of Mt Arthur Coal post 2030. This decision takes into consideration a range of financial and economic factors. It also fully aligns with our corporate strategy, responsibility to shareholders and their expectations, along with broader societal expectations and commitments, including those of the local communities in which Mt Arthur Coal operates.

Alongside ongoing price volatility, our longer-term outlook on the fundamental financial viability of Mt Arthur Coal led us to conclude it was in the best interests of all stakeholders to undertake an extended and considered pathway to closure instead of risking a sudden and unexpected closure in the future.  We also think it is preferable to provide certainty to our people and our communities after many years of speculation.

BHP undertook a range of initial steps to prepare an application to seek approval to mine until 2045 – which included consultation with many stakeholders. However, no formal application was ever made for this Approval.

Importantly, nothing is changing right now. BHP will continue to safely operate the site as it has done since 2001.  As soon as the details of the pathway are finalised, we will communicate further so that you can better understand what it means for you. For now, it’s business as usual and our shared objective is continuing to run our operation safely until around 2030.

We will be working through what support mechanisms will be put in place as the closure date approaches. Once a decision has been made we will share this with you. 

This decision highlights how seriously we take our closure and rehabilitation obligations.  BHP will work with the stakeholders, including the NSW Government, to develop final closure landforms through the planning process.  

Over the next few years, we will work closely with key external stakeholders and the community, Muswellbrook Shire Council in particular, to determine the most appropriate land use after mining operations have ceased. 

Mt Arthur Coal reported operating losses in FY2020 and 2021. While the coal price is strong right now, we know how cyclical the industry is. No business is able to justify prolonged performance of this nature or be dependent on external factors to make a profit.  The performance of each of our assets is assessed individually, as though each mine is a standalone business. 

Direct communication with our employees and representatives is our top priority as part of this announcement and throughout the pathway to closure process. We will be consulting with employees and their representatives every step of the way.

We are committed to delivering a responsible mine closure that balances the needs of our people, community, local businesses and government over the next eight years. We know the cyclical nature of our industry all too well and how important it is to focus on what we can control – safe productivity. We are committed to doing the right thing and working with everyone to co-create a shared vision for the future of the region.