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 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.
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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.
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.
Applications close 27 January 2025.
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
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Fact Sheet Information
Contact us
We’re here to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.
Office
- Stratford Coal Ltd
- ABN 26 064 016 164
Site Address:
- 3364 Bucketts Way South
- Stratford NSW 2422
Postal Address:
- PO Box 168
- Gloucester NSW 2422
Phone:
- +61 2 6538 4200
Community Information hotline
- Stratford & Duralie Operations
- Phone: 1300 658 239
Blast Information Hotline:
- Phone: +61 2 6538 4253