Stratford

Stratford began production in June 1995 After nearly 30 years, Stratford completed coal extraction in 2024 and has commenced the mine closure phase

The Stratford Mining Complex is located 95km north of Newcastle in the Gloucester Basin, NSW

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Mining Operation

Stratford began production in June 1995. After nearly 30 years, Stratford completed coal extraction in 2024. The closure of Stratford is consistent with the planned and approved life of mining for the operations. Our team is currently preparing detailed closure plans. This includes confirming final rehabilitation and closure requirements with government regulators.

Our employees will continue working at the mine for around four years; closing down operations, decommissioning and removing infrastructure, and completing rehabilitation of the site to an approved final landform. Ongoing environmental monitoring and maintenance of rehabilitated areas will likely continue for another 10 to 15 years. The NSW Government must assess and sign off on the closure and rehabilitation works before we can relinquish our mining leases.

Stratford and Duralie Mine Closure Timeline

An approximate timeline for implementing the closure planning and execution process is shown below.

Stratford_MineClosing

Stratford Renewable Energy Hub

Yancoal Australia Ltd is currently investigating diversification opportunities, including investment in other energy related projects, to create a sustainable long-term business. The Stratford Mining Complex has been identified as an ideal location to establish a renewable energy hub post-mining. The beneficial post-mining land use has the potential to provide continued investment in the Gloucester Valley.

Proposed Project

The proposed Stratford Renewable Energy Hub (SREH) includes a:

  • Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (3600 MW hrs over a 12-hour cycle)
  • Solar Farm Facility (330MW initial capacity)

The SREH would be developed on and adjacent to the SMC on Yancoal-owned land. The Pumped Hydro Energy Storage would utilise the mine’s existing dams and water stocks as a lower reservoir and backup water supply and storage. It would provide on demand, dispatchable power into the grid at peak times or when the energy generated by other renewable energy sources is unavailable.

The “behind the meter” Solar Farm Facility would provide a portion of the energy to recharge the Pumped Hydro during daylight hours when there is excess renewable electricity already in the grid.

The NSW Government has declared SREH as Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI) given its potential significance to the NSW economy by helping to maintain critical energy security. The Project is currently on Public Exhibition. We welcome community consultation and feedback on the project and encourage you to have your way. For simple steps on how to make a submission, click on this link.

For the latest information on the Project, see below.

Stratford Renewable Energy Hub – Scoping Report

Stratford Renewable Energy Hub – Newsletter September 2024

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Operations Manager

John Cullen

Contact Us

Community Information Hotline Stratford and Duralie Operations
Phone: 1300 658 239

Blast Information Hotline
Phone: +61 2 6538 4253

General Enquiries
Phone: +61 2 6538 4200

Community

Discover our community

Stratford Coal is committed to operating as an environmentally and socially responsible corporate entity and strive to be a valued and respected member of the local community in which we operate.

Community Support Program

Stratford Coal have established the Community Support Program to provide assistance to initiatives within the local communities in which we operate. The aim of the Community Support Program is to help benefit a wide range of community needs such as education, environment, health, infrastructure, arts, leisure and cultural heritage.

View the community support program documents below for further details.

Community Support Program 2025 Guidelines

CSP Application Form

Education Support Fund

Stratford Coal also provides funding towards to Stratford Coal Education Support Fund which provides financial assistance for students undertaking tertiary education, TAFE courses and apprenticeships. Grants are allocated annually. View the Education Support Fund documents below for further details.

Education Support Fund – Tertiary Assistance Scholarship

Education Support Fund – Tertiary Assistance Scholarship – prior school leavers

Education Support Fund – TAFE/Traineeship Scholarship

Education Support Fund – Subsidies for Local Businesses

Application forms are also available at the MidCoast Council Gloucester Office and Gloucester High School.

Blasting Information

Scheduled blast

Date

12/22/2024

Time

12/22/2024

Type

Coal

Location

Pit

OC402

Strip

22

Blocks

11-17

Environmental Monitoring

Complains Register

TitleLinkFile Size

Fact Sheet Information

5 MB
Mine Closure Fact Sheet -Stratford & Duralie – July 2024 Update

Contact us

We’re here to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. 

Office

Site Address:

Postal Address:

Phone:

Community Information hotline

Blast Information Hotline:

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