The Bloomfield Group is seeking approval to continue mining at its existing Rix’s Creek North operation near Singleton through to the end of 2049, supporting ongoing employment, local businesses and regional supply chains.

The Rix’s Creek North Continuation project would allow Bloomfield to continue mining an existing coal resource using much of the infrastructure already in place at Rix’s Creek.

The project proposes a lower peak Run of Mine coal extraction rate than currently approved, reducing from 6 million tonnes per annum to 4.8 million tonnes per annum.

The Rix's Creek North Continuation Project would maintain the existing workforce while supporting growth to approximately 325 full-time equivalent employees over the life of the project.

Bloomfield Group CEO Brett Lewis said the continuation project was about providing greater certainty for the people, businesses and communities connected to Rix’s Creek.

“The Rix’s Creek Mine has been part of the Singleton community for more than 35 years, providing jobs, supporting local businesses and contributing to the regional economy,” Mr Lewis said.

“Approval of this project will give our people, their families and the businesses that work with us greater certainty well beyond the life of our current approval.

“It also allows us to continue supplying quality metallurgical and thermal coal to our long-term international customers while supporting economic activity here in the Hunter, while NSW, Australia and many other countries transition towards net zero.”

An independent economic assessment undertaken for the project estimates the net social benefits to NSW to be more than $400 million over the 14-year project life, made up of employment, taxation, royalty benefits and economic activity generated through wages and business expenditure.

Mr Lewis said the proposal benefits greatly from the learnings and successes gained from more than 35 years' experience operating on the site combined with several years of planning, consultation, refinement and detailed environmental and technical studies.

“We’ve spent several years looking at how mining could continue at Rix’s Creek North while limiting and managing the potential impacts on our neighbours, the community and the environment,” Mr Lewis said.

“The project also includes an improved alignment for approximately four kilometres of the New England Highway and an improved final landform with no remaining highwalls, creating a safer and more stable landscape after mining.”

A detailed Environmental Impact Statement has been prepared covering issues including noise, air quality, water, biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions, Aboriginal cultural heritage, rehabilitation, social impacts and economics.

“The EIS looks closely at the potential impacts of continuing mining through to 2049 and sets out how those impacts would be avoided, minimised or managed,” Mr Lewis said.

“The assessment shows the project can continue to support jobs, local businesses and the regional economy while appropriately managing its environmental and community impacts.”

Visit the RCN Continuation project page to find out more including how to make a submission. The project is on public exhibition until Tuesday 10 November 2026.

Link: https://www.bloomcoll.com.au/sustainability/environmental-management/rixs-creek-assessments/rcn_cont

About The Bloomfield Group
The Bloomfield Group has operated continuously in the Hunter Valley community for more than 85 years. It has operations in the mining, engineering, and biodiesel manufacturing sectors. The Group employs more than 500 people directly, supports their families, and engages with many contractors, service providers, and customers across the region, NSW, and internationally.