Angus Place West

About Angus Place

Angus Place is an existing underground coal mine located approximately 15 kilometres (km) north-west of Lithgow, in the Lithgow local government area. The Angus Place pit top is on Wolgan Road approximately 5 km north of Lidsdale and 7 km north-east of Wallerawang. Angus Place is operated by Centennial Angus Place Pty Limited (Centennial Angus Place), a wholly owned subsidiary of Centennial Coal Company Limited (Centennial Coal).

Angus Place comprises a pit top, underground mining area, ventilation infrastructure and water management infrastructure. Angus Place is approved under project approval (MP 06_0021) which was granted in September 2006. Mining operations expired during 2024 and the mine is currently in care and maintenance operation phase with ongoing rehabilitation activities continuing.

Angus Place has been a strategically important coal mine in NSW, providing coal to Mt Piper Power Station and the former Wallerawang Power Station. 

Key Facts

  • Mining first commenced at Angus Place in 1949, and it was initially known as Newcom Mine. 
  • The current Angus Place mine was developed as an extension to Newcom Mine. Mining commenced in 1979 using longwall mining techniques.
  • Mining methods used at Angus Place have been a combination of bord and pillar and longwall mining. 
  • Angus Place was approved to extract of up to 3.5 million tonnes of coal per year, until August 2024.
  • However, In 2015, Angus Place was placed into care and maintenance. No coal production has taken place at Angus Place since this time.
  • Angus Place continues to meet safety and environmental regulations and is maintained to enable operations to recommence.

Angus Place West Project 

Centennial Coal is proposing a new SSD project which will allow Angus Place to recommence coal supply to Mt Piper Power Station. The project is known as Angus Place West.

While there is a transition to renewable energy generation currently underway, coal continues to support power generation in NSW, with Mt Piper Power Station an important contributor to baseload generation. Coal supplies will be needed to maintain the ongoing operation of Mt Piper Power Station through to its planned closure. The project will maintain Centennial Coal’s ability to supply coal to Mt Piper Power Station.

Angus Place West is a proposed underground coal mining project designed to support the ongoing operation of Mt Piper Power Station (MPPS) using a low‑impact bord and pillar mining method. The project will extract up to 8.5 million tonnes of coal at a maximum rate of 1.2 Mtpa and operate until 2042, aligning with MPPS’s planned lifecycle. By utilising existing mine workings, infrastructure, and private haul roads, the project minimises new surface disturbance while maintaining an important local energy supply chain.

Angus Place West will provide stable employment opportunities for the region, continue long‑standing economic contributions to the Lithgow community and ensure a reliable fuel source during NSW’s transition toward cleaner energy generation. Environmental management focuses on minimising subsidence, protecting water resources and biodiversity, and maintaining high operational safety and compliance standards.

Key Features of the Project

Coal production: Extraction of ~8.5 million tonnes of ROM coal over the life of the project. Production rate of up to 1.2 Mtpa. Flexibility to scale output up or down as needed.

Mining methods: Low‑impact bord and pillar mining using first workings only. Designed to achieve negligible subsidence (≤20 mm). No longwall mining or secondary extraction proposed.

Employment: Approximately 180 full‑time equivalent jobs. 

Project life: Mining proposed to continue until 31 December 2042, aligning with the expected closure timeline of Mt Piper Power Station.

Economic contribution: Maintains a critical coal supply to support NSW energy security. Sustains local jobs in a region with deep mining and energy heritage. Provides ongoing royalties, wages, local procurement and council contributions. Supports community wellbeing and stability during regional energy transition.

Environmental management: Minimal surface disturbance through use of existing infrastructure. Negligible subsidence protects swamps, creeks, pagodas and sensitive ecosystems. Comprehensive water management: separation of clean/dirty water, ongoing transfers to Springvale Water Treatment Project (SWTP), MPPS, Springvale Coal Services Site (SCSS) and McPhillamys pipeline. Biodiversity values protected through avoidance‑focused design and monitoring. Noise, air quality and traffic impacts managed under existing strict controls. Progressive rehabilitation of disturbed areas with a focus on restoring woodland.

Project Status

Completed
Project Announced
In Progress
Scoping Report
Pending
Secretary's Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) issued
Pending
Preparation of Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
Pending
EIS submission and exhibition
Pending
Response to submissions
Pending
Planning Approval

Community Consultation

Centennial Coal believes that successful projects are built on collaboration and understanding. That’s why we’re committed to engaging with the community throughout every stage of our development projects.

Community consultation is at the heart of our approach, as we recognise the invaluable insights and perspectives that residents, businesses, and stakeholders bring to the table. By fostering open dialogue and transparent communication, we ensure that our projects meet regulatory requirements and align with the needs and aspirations of the communities we serve. 

Stay in the loop

Contact

approvals@centennialcoal.com.au

0436 034 401

Ron Bush
General Manager
Development & Approvals