Kolkata dt. 22nd August, 2008 : Gujarat NRE Minerals does operate two underground coal mines in the Southern Coalfields of New South Wales. There exist very strict guidelines and operating conditions for mining in this region, and any other region of Australia for all coal mines. Detailed approvals must be obtained from the government prior to mining, and ongoing analysis and studies of impacts are monitored during mining. Gujarat NRE takes very seriously it’s responsibilities and in all instances meets it’s obligations in this regard. The matter of the case is that mining in the Southern Coalfields, wherein Gujarat NRE mine leases are located, have been practiced within the land managed by the Sydney Catchment Authority for over 100 years and is continuing even now by various companies, including BHP Billton, Xstrata, Peabody and Gujarat NRE, who are owning and operating coal mines in the region. The operations have been without adversely affecting the water supply to Sydney.
A recent study undertaken by the New South Wales government reviewing the concerns about the impacts of mining has just been conducted. The study was entitled the “Impacts of Underground Mining on Natural Features in the Southern Coalfield”, the findings of which were released in July 2008. This very comprehensive study took submission from all stakeholders, including environmental groups. In the report it was stated “that no evidence was presented to the Panel to support the view that subsidence impacts on rivers and significant stream, valley infill or headland swamps, or shallow or deep aquifers have resulted in any measurable reduction in runoff to the water supply system operated by the Sydney Catchment Authority or to otherwise represent a threat to the water supply of Sydney… ”. Thus the apprehension indicated by the news is not well founded and has been published in a careless manner without seeking any clarification from the company.
Gujarat NRE Minerals has existing government approvals to operate both its coking coal mines in the southern coalfields of the New South Wales. The company is undertaking all the necessary studies and meeting with other requirements in preparation of its development applications for both its coal mines in full compliance of the recent changes in NSW Planning legislation and is confident of obtaining ongoing approvals from the state government for all its mining operations. Coal mining provides jobs in the community and royalties and taxes for the Government and as such, the coal mining industry is fully regulated and well supported by the Government. Gujarat NRE is happy to acknowledge the overwhelming support it has received from the local community as well as all departments of the NSW Government in its endeavour to expand its coal mining operations. The chairman Mr Arun Kumar Jagatramka was recently bestowed with the title of Sydney Ambassador to India by the NSW Govt. in recognition of Gujarat NRE’s contribution in NSW.
A recent study undertaken by the New South Wales government reviewing the concerns about the impacts of mining has just been conducted. The study was entitled the “Impacts of Underground Mining on Natural Features in the Southern Coalfield”, the findings of which were released in July 2008. This very comprehensive study took submission from all stakeholders, including environmental groups. In the report it was stated “that no evidence was presented to the Panel to support the view that subsidence impacts on rivers and significant stream, valley infill or headland swamps, or shallow or deep aquifers have resulted in any measurable reduction in runoff to the water supply system operated by the Sydney Catchment Authority or to otherwise represent a threat to the water supply of Sydney… ”. Thus the apprehension indicated by the news is not well founded and has been published in a careless manner without seeking any clarification from the company.
Gujarat NRE Minerals has existing government approvals to operate both its coking coal mines in the southern coalfields of the New South Wales. The company is undertaking all the necessary studies and meeting with other requirements in preparation of its development applications for both its coal mines in full compliance of the recent changes in NSW Planning legislation and is confident of obtaining ongoing approvals from the state government for all its mining operations. Coal mining provides jobs in the community and royalties and taxes for the Government and as such, the coal mining industry is fully regulated and well supported by the Government. Gujarat NRE is happy to acknowledge the overwhelming support it has received from the local community as well as all departments of the NSW Government in its endeavour to expand its coal mining operations. The chairman Mr Arun Kumar Jagatramka was recently bestowed with the title of Sydney Ambassador to India by the NSW Govt. in recognition of Gujarat NRE’s contribution in NSW.
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