Mt Arthur Coal Powering what’s next hub

We know there are a lot of questions about the closure of Mt Arthur Coal. At BHP, we’re here to listen and give you the answers you need. 

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Planning what’s next, today 

We know there are a lot of questions about the closure of Mt Arthur Coal.

What’s next for the land? What does it mean for jobs? What about the environment?

At BHP, we’re here to listen and give you the answers you need. That’s why we’ve created the Powering what’s next hub, where you can get clear information on what’s happening, how we’re supporting the workforce and community, and what the future looks like.

Latest news

Jacqui James 20 Nov 25

How career coaching is driving immediate improvements at Mt Arthur Coal

Career coaching being delivered as part of Mt Arthur Coal's Workforce Transition Support policy isn’t just about helping teammates in their future roles post-2030.
Robson Civil 20 Nov 25

Award winning land rehabilitation and management at Mt Arthur Coal

Mt Arthur Coal has continued to deliver on its commitment to leaving a positive environmental legacy, partnering with Robson Civil Projects to deliver award-winning rehabilitation and land management works.
251015 Tree Day 1920 x 634

Win-win outcome for the Upper Hunter

BHP is transferring a parcel of land from Mt Arthur Coal to a neighbouring company as it continues to progress towards a responsible closure in 2030.
251015 Tree Day 1920 x 634

Community Connect - Mt Arthur Coal (Sept 2025)

September Community Newsletter out now
Read the latest news from Mt Arthur Coal here.
Eliza Carson

BHP commits to a $30 million Upper Hunter Community fund

BHP is committing to a $30 million community fund to support the Upper Hunter as it prepares for the responsible closure of the Mt Arthur Coal mine in 2030.
Lake and fields

BHP partners with ACCIONA Energia for Pumped Hydro Study

BHP has partnered with renewable energy and infrastructure company ACCIONA Energía to explore the potential development of a pumped hydro energy storage project at Mt Arthur Coal.

Explore the Hub

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Mt Arthur Coal is closing because...

The value of the operation declines as we hit 2030. We wanted to allow enough time to support our workforce and the community to transition. The multi-year time frame enables us to plan and make thoroughly considered decisions.
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In the lead up to closure...

We’re actively exploring options for reusing the land. That includes listening to community input and considering mixed uses that balance community, business, regulatory and environmental needs.
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We’re supporting Mt Arthur Coal employees with...

Free financial advice, opportunities to upgrade their skills or to retrain, and career coaching to support them in developing new career pathways.

Timeline

2022
16 June: Announced decision to close Mt Arthur Coal in 2030
On 16 June 2022 the BHP Board made the decision to close Mt Arthur Coal in 2030 as part of a planned, responsible closure.
2022
June onwards: Conversations with community, suppliers and government on the decision
Since the closure decision was made, Mt Arthur Coal has been actively engaging with community, residents, Indigenous people and governments on our plans.
2023
February: Head of Transition appointed
Mt Arthur Coal welcomes Liz Watts to lead the Transition and Closure of site. Liz is originally from Scone and has strong connections within the Upper Hunter.
2023
June: First Supplier and Contractor Forum in Muswellbrook
Suppliers and contractors of Mt Arthur Coal came together to talk about closure, business impacts, opportunities and support for workers.
2023
August: Tomorrow Together workforce support program launches
Tomorrow Together aims to support BHP employees to identify a pathway post closure most appropriate for each individual’s circumstances. A series of engagement sessions, training and support will be provided in the run up to closure to prepare and plan with our team for their future.
2023
September: Community events in the Upper Hunter
Representatives from the Transition and Closure team attend local community events like the Great Cattle Dog Muster 2023 and Singleton Show 2023.
2023
October: Updates to Business Chambers
Asset President at the time, Adam Lancey, provided an update on closure plans to Business Hunter, Business Singleton and Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
2023
November: First community and neighbours event held for residents of the Upper Hunter
In November Mt Arthur Coal hosted a number of in-person and online community engagement events to share progress with the community on our closure plans.
2024
February: Closure Legacy Expectations Assessment (CLEA) commences
Mt Arthur Coal’s largest community engagement exercise commences in Muswellbrook, Singleton, Scone, Denman and Aberdeen – asking residents to share their views and their expectations of Mt Arthur Coal’s closure. Over 800+ residents had their say.
2024
February: On the ground at the Upper Hunter Show
The Transition and Closure Team attend the Upper Hunter Show in Muswellbrook to answer community questions about closure.
2024
April: Financial Planning support for employees launched
As part of the Tomorrow Together workforce support program, Mt Arthur Coal launched Financial Planning support in partnership with Team Super, for BHP employees.
2024
May: Tocal Field Days
The Transition and Closure Team attend Tocal Field Days to answer community questions about closure and invite suggestions on what might be possible for the land post closure.
2024
June: Community workshops
A number of workshops held in Muswellbrook with residents and key stakeholders as part of the Closure Legacy Expectations Assessment.
2024
August: Parliamentary Inquiry into beneficial and productive post-mining land use
BHP appears at a hearing of the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into beneficial and productive post-mining land use, highlighting the economic, environmental and social outcomes that could be realised from alternate mine land re-use at the Mt Arthur Coal site.
2024
September: Education support for employees launched
As part of the Tomorrow Together workforce support program, Mt Arthur Coal launched Education and Training support for BHP employees. Employees are eligible for financial support from Mt Arthur Coal for any Nationally Recognised Qualification.
2024
November: Land Access project with Indigenous community commences
BHP commences engagement with Indigenous community members on a project to provide access to a parcel of land for cultural purposes.
2024
December: Closure Legacy Expectations Assessment report launched
Findings from the CLEA finalised and launched with the community in Muswellbrook.
2024
October: Liz Watts appointed to Vice President NSW Energy Coal
Liz Watts takes the reigns at Mt Arthur Coal as the Vice President for NSW Energy Coal.
2024
October: Workforce focus groups take shape
Employee representatives from Mt Arthur Coal meet for the first time to provide input into closure support policies and initiatives.
2025
March: On the ground at the Upper Hunter Show
The Transition and Closure Team attend the Upper Hunter Show in Muswellbrook to answer community questions about closure.
2025
March: Career Coaching for employees launched
As part of the Tomorrow Together workforce support program, Mt Arthur Coal launched Career Coaching support to BHP employees. Employees are eligible for career coaching support delivered by Right Management.
2025
4 April: Community takes part in rehabilitation
Mt Arthur Coal hosts it’s first tree planting day as part of mine rehabilitation activities. Local schools and community members plant over 1,000 trees and learn about Mt Arthur Coal’s closure plans.
2025
16 April: Approval received
Mt Arthur Coal receives approval from the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to continue mining beyond 2026, to 2030 as part of a responsible closure of the site.
2025
16 April: 12 month study into Pumped Hydro announced
BHP announces 12-month due diligence exclusivity agreement with Acciona Energia to explore the potential development of a pumped hydro energy storage facility at Mt Arthur Coal.
2025
16 April: $30 million community fund
BHP announces $30 million community fund for Muswellbrook and the Upper Hunter region to address impacts from closure.
2025
May: Tocal Field Days
The Transition and Closure Team attend Tocal Field Days to answer community questions about closure and talk more about pumped hydro and the community fund.
2025
May: Scone Horse Festival
The Transition and Closure Team attend the Scone Grammar School Fete to answer community questions about closure.
2025
July: Aberdeen Highland Games
The Transition and Closure Team attend the Aberdeen Highland Games to answer community questions about closure.
2025
August: Tomorrow Together Round 2
The next phase of the Tomorrow Together workforce support program commences, with one-on-one conversations between BHP employees and their leaders to develop Individual Pathway Plans (IPP) to ensure every employee feels engaged, empowered and supported over the next 5 years for the pathway beyond 2030.
trucks on road hydro
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P: 1800 882 044

E: NSWEC.community@bhp.com

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