Coal miners in NSW hit with large fine for pollution

A coal mining company has been fined $1.05 million by the NSW Land and Environment Court (Court) for the overflow of slurry which escaped into a watercourse and travelled into the Blue Mountains National Park.¹ The penalty was imposed in addition to clean up costs of over $2 million, as well as legal and prosecutor costs. The case serves as a reminder that, despite the best clean-up efforts, large fines may still be issued to polluters to act as a deterrent.

Background

Clarence Colliery Pty Ltd (Clarence Colliery) operates a coal mine in the Blue Mountains. On or around 2 July 2015, coal fines slurry which was being pumped into a holding cell overflowed the perimeter wall and escaped into an unnamed watercourse, travelling 10.3 km downstream into the neighbouring Blue Mountains National Park.