EW Grants Coal Mining Extension at Huntly

Coal miner Solid Energy has been granted consents by Environment Waikato enabling it to do more underground coal mining at Huntly.

Solid Energy plans to extend mining into part of its operations known as the Huntly North Project.

After joint hearings with the Waikato District Council last month, EW’s independent commissioners Jim Howland and Arthur Hinds found that implementing Solid Energy’s plans would not threaten the environment significantly.

Regional council consents, permits or permit changes were required to construct a 280m ventilation shaft; deposit excavated soil or cleanfill on land; intercept and take groundwater from the project mine; and allow the mine water to be discharged into the Kimihia wetland.

However, the commissioners said Solid Energy, the regional and district councils, and other relevant parties would need to work together to deal with the effects of land subsidence.

(c) 2008 Waikato Times. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.