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.

Alternate mine land re-use: imagining what might be possible Imagining what might be possible

There’s already a lot here at Mt Arthur Coal, including roads, services, workshops, sheds and industrial areas that were built to support mining.

Some areas could suit industry, energy, skills or employment. Others will be shaped by rehabilitation, ecology, recreation and the future landform.
Watch the video and imagine what might come next

Latest news

News archive
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Government announces Transformation Precinct Master Plan for Mt Arthur Coal

The Master Plan proposes Mt Arthur Coal mine land be rezoned to allow for uses in addition to mining, a key step in enabling a range of future uses of the site’s infrastructure once BHP stops mining.
Image of partial front cover of Mt Arthur Coal July 2026 Community Connect newsletter

Community Connect - Mt Arthur Coal (July 2026)

July Community Newsletter out now.
Read the latest news from Mt Arthur Coal here
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Flexible study options pave the road to a new career

Mt Arthur Coal is helping its workforce prepare for its 2030 closure by providing free study.
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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.
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.
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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

Man at front of room at whiteboard talking to audience with text saying "What are you doing to support Mt Arthur Coal workers?"

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.

Read more
Image of butterfly on leaves with text saying "What future land use opportunities exist at Mt Arthur Coal?"

Planning the future of land at Mt Arthur Coal

The future of Mt Arthur Coal is important to the Upper Hunter and we know people want to understand what happens next for the land. That's why BHP is planning now.

Read more
Big mining truck with text saying "Why is Mt Arthur Coal closing?"

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.

Read more
Man standing with trees in background and text saying "What will happen to the land when Mt Arthur Coal closes?"

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.

Read more
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Get in touch

We’re here to help. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for on our website, please submit your question or contact us using the details below. Call us on: 1800 882 044

Submit your question to NSWEC.community@bhp.com
Subscribe to Powering what's next news and events

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
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.
2024
December: Closure Legacy Expectations Assessment report launched
Findings from the CLEA finalised and launched with the community in Muswellbrook.
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.
2025
August: Launched the BHP NSW Facebook page
Based on community feedback, the BHP NSW Facebook page was created to better share information about Mt Arthur Coal with the community.
Visit the BHP NSW Facebook page
2025
August: Launched the Powering What’s Next Hub
This hub provides a dedicated website to share transition and closure information and updates.
2025
September: Land rehabilitation recognised with award
Mt Arthur Coal’s land rehabilitation and maintenance was recognised with Engineering Success of the Year Award at the 2025 Australian Mining Prospects Awards.
Read more about Mt Arthur Coal's award winning land rehabilitation
2025
September: Community engagement
Mt Arthur Coal engaged with the community, sharing closure updates at a variety of local events including Muswellbrook’s Great Cattle Dog Muster event and the Singleton Show.
2025
September: Community updates
The September 2025 Community Connect newsletter was published, posted and distributed locally providing a range of community updates on what’s happening at Mt Arthur Coal.
Read Mt Arthur Coal's September 2025 Community Connect newsletter
2025
October: Business Chamber updates
Engaged with stakeholders on closure plans and progress at the Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce and Industry breakfast.
2025
October: Shared closure updates on podcast
Members of the Transition and Closure Team participated in the Coalface Digging Deeper Podcast to share an update on closure plans.
Listen to our closure updates on the Coalface Digging Deeper podcast here
2025
October: Hosted Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue Field Day
Hosted 40 visitors from government and community as part of Upper Hunter Mining Dialogue Field Day. Guests discussed future possibilities for the site post closure and explored our rehabilitation areas, and our workshop and production facilities.
2025
October: Attended Indigenous Chamber of Commerce Summit
Shared closure updates at New South Wales Indigenous Chamber of Commerce Summit.
2025
November: Announced land transfer
Announced improved tailings solution and land transfer with Malabar Resources.
Read more about our land transfer with Malabar Resources
2025
November: My Muswellbrook report released
My Muswellbrook report released, an independent research project funded by BHP to identify social legacy initiatives.
Read the My Muswellbrook: Mapping Place Identity and Pride in Place report
2026
February: Teacher site visit
Mt Arthur Coal hosted Muswellbrook High School teachers for a pit-to-port overview to deepen their knowledge of modern mining practices, rehabilitation efforts, operational safety and the broader supply chain.
2026
February: Drilling milestone
Commenced drilling on the final highwall crest in the Windmill area of the pit, marking the western most point of the mine.
2026
February: Contractor engagement
Hosted the Supplier and Contractor Forum connecting with a key stakeholder on safety issues and closure updates.
Find out more about our Supplier and Contractor Forum
2026
March: Community joins in rehabilitation
Opened the gates to community for the annual Community Tree Planting Day. Guests got to see our operations in action, hear about our closure plans, learn how we manage Indigenous Cultural Heritage and join in our rehabilitation efforts, planting almost 1,000 trees along a future wildlife corridor.
Read more about our 2026 Community Tree Planting Day
2026
March: EOI’s opened for the Community Reference Group
Opened expressions of interest for the Community Reference Group, a key part of the governance structure for the $30 million Powering What’s Next Community Fund.
2026
March: Hosted Dr Pete Whitbred-Abrutat
Hosted environmental specialist Dr Pete Whitbread-Abrutat, co-author of ‘102 Things to Do with a Hole in the Ground’, to draw on his insights and expertise on mine closure and landscape restoration.
2026
March: Drawing on international experience
We hosted a German Trade Delegation to learn about their recent experience with mine closure and discuss best practices for sustainable transition.
2026
March: Community updates
The March 2026 Community Connect newsletter was published, posted and distributed locally providing a range of community updates on what’s happening at Mt Arthur Coal.
Read the March 2026 Community Connect newsletter
2026
April: Hosted Hunter River Community Conversation
Brought together Mt Arthur Coal, local industry, local landholders and community organisations to share ideas, concerns and opportunities for improving the health of the Hunter River.
Read more about our Hunter River Community Conversation
2026
April: Launched our Tomorrow Together app
Based on feedback from the Employee Focus Group representatives, Mt Arthur Coal created and launched the Tomorrow Together app which is dedicated to supporting our workforce in the lead up to site closure.
2026
1-3 May: Community engagement
Attended Tocal Field Days, our region’s largest agricultural event, to connect with the community about our 2030 closure and answer questions.
Read more about our attendance at Tocal Field Days 2026
2026
July: Community updates
The July 2026 Community Connect newsletter was published, posted and distributed locally providing a range of community updates on what’s happening at Mt Arthur Coal.
Read Mt Arthur Coal's July 2026 Community Connect newsletter
2026
July: Government announcement
Welcomed the government’s announcement establishing the Mt Arthur Coal Transformation Precinct, and Master Plan for the site.

The Master Plan proposes Mt Arthur Coal's land to be rezoned for additional uses, a key step in enabling future uses of the site once BHP stops mining.
Read more about this announcement
trucks on road hydro BHP NSW Facebook page Landing page for Powering What's Next Hub Image of rehabilitated land at Mt Arthur Coal Image of 4 people at BHP exhibit at a community event Cover of Mt Arthur Coal Community Connect newsletter September 2025 Panel of BHP leadership on stage providing updates at Business Chamber meeting Panel of 4 BHP leadership people sat at table in recording studio to provide updates for a podcast Image of people standing at look out at Mt Arthur Coal 3 people standing at BHP exhibit at Indigenous Chamber of Commerce Summit in 2025 Gloved hands planting a seedling in the ground Cover of My Muswellbrook: Mapping Place Identity and Pride in Place report Group of people gathered at a look out at Mt Arthur Coal Image of mining pit at Mt Arthur Coal Large venue room with people sitting at tables for conference Image of people planting tree at Mt Arthur Coal Community Tree Planting Day 2026 Image of Mt Arthur Coal Image of Dr Pete Whitbred-Abrutat sitting at a table Group of people standing in front of large truck Cover of Mt Arthur Coal Community Connect newsletter for March 2026 People gathered in a room for community discussion event Image of Mt Arthur Coal Tomorrow Together app on mobile phone screen 3 BHP Mt Arthur Coal representatives standing in front of the BHP stand at Tocal Field Days Image of partial front cover of Mt Arthur Coal July 2026 Community Connect newsletter site image