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Minns expands MACH Energy coal mine licence to 16.5M tonnes

By Drooid · Oct 19, 2026, 6:21 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Premier Chris Minns granted MACH Energy an expanded licence for Mount Pleasant coal mine.
The licence raises output to 16.5 million tonnes, up from 12.5 million, through 2032.
The change follows a High Court ruling that the 2022 approval ignored scope-3 emissions.
MACH warned it would lay off about 400 workers before Christmas without the licence.
Greens MP Sue Higginson and environmental groups called the move political interference undermining climate law.

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Story summary

Premier Chris Minns granted MACH Energy an expanded licence for Mount Pleasant coal mine.
The licence raises output to 16.5 million tonnes, up from 12.5 million, through 2032.
The change follows a High Court ruling that the 2022 approval ignored scope-3 emissions.
MACH warned it would lay off about 400 workers before Christmas without the licence.
Greens MP Sue Higginson and environmental groups called the move political interference undermining climate law.