South32 warns Port Kembla steelworks at risk without coal mine expansion under Sydney catchment
ABCJobs growth versus environmental concerns have been reignited with a coal company's proposed expansion under Sydney's water supply. Key points: South32 wants to extend the life of a coal mine near Wollongong The company says if approval isn't granted, the effects on the local steel industry will be severe The bid has raised concerns about the possible impact on the Sydney water catchment Mining company South32 says if its proposed expansion on the New South Wales south coast does not go ahead it could jeopardise the future of Australia's largest steelworks at Port Kembla. South32 manager of operations Jason Economidis said if the Dendrobium expansion was rejected, Illawarra mining operations would collapse and force the closure of BlueScope Steel. "If we cease to exist and BlueScope Steel ceases to exist, then the Port Kembla Coal Terminal would also cease to exist," Mr Economidis said. Environmental warning South32's mine is located under the Sydney water catchment between the Avon and Cordeaux Dams, and environmental groups warned the proposed expansion poses too great a risk to the area's water supply.
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BlueScope Steel tells IPC that South32 coal mine expansion 'critical' to its survival
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