Stage 1

Planning approval to Stage 1 of the MCP (Stage 1 Approval) was granted out of the area of EL 6288 by the Minister for Planning on 6 September 2007 as a Major Project under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 (EPA Act) (Stage 1 Approval).

Mining Leases 1605 and 1606 have been granted by the Minister for Mineral Resources on 20 December 2008 out of the area of EL 6288 for part of the Stage 1 area.

Mining Lease Applications (MLA) 316, 317 and 318 in respect of the remainder of the area of Stage 1 remain to be determined by the Minister for Mineral Resources.

Stage 2

The Major Project Application for Stage 2 of the MCP was lodged with NSW Department of Planning (DOP) on 1 May 2008. The Application will allow the NSW Director General of Planning to issue Environmental Assessment Requirements for Stage 2 of the MCP. MCM will then prepare an Environmental Assessment Report in line with the Environmental Assessment Requirements in order to gain Project Approval.

The Stage 2 Application is for:

• Two underground mines to produce up to 4 Mtpa ROM from Underground No 1 and 4 Mtpa ROM from Underground No2;
• An open cut mine (O/C4) within the floor of the Murragamba Valley producing up to 13 Mtpa ROM; and for,
• Amended operation of the Stage 1 approved Surface Facilities.