30 September 2025, Singleton — The Hunter Mining Club’s second networking luncheon brought together over 240 mining industry representatives last week, with Hunter Valley Operations’ General Manager David Foster delivering a compelling case for the HVO Continuation Project’s vital importance to the region’s economic future.
Speaking to the sold-out gathering at Singleton Diggers, Foster outlined how the project represents far more than mining extension, positioning HVO as “the lasting economic anchor for the Hunter Valley” as other major coal operations in the region wind down operations by 2030.
The HVO Continuation Project, which is currently awaiting decision on its Continuation Project Amendment Report from the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, closed for public submission last week. While the project has undergone several iterations to meet strict requirements, it promises substantial benefits for the Hunter community, economic and otherwise. Foster detailed the operation’s impressive economic footprint for 2024: 1,515 full-time equivalent jobs, $1.05 billion spent on goods and services with over 700 local suppliers, $224 million in wages and salaries, and $276 million in taxes and royalties contributing to essential services.
The continuation project will extend operations to 2045, providing certainty for local businesses and families while contributing $4.3 billion in net present value to the economy. Notably the majority of future mining will occur through previously mined areas, demonstrating responsible resource recovery practices.
Foster addressed the challenging regulatory environment facing the industry, explaining how the project has evolved through extensive consultation with government bodies. Recent amendments have reduced the mine life from 2050 to 2045 and removed over 220 million tonnes of coal production, resulting in a 43 per cent reduction in scope 1 emissions.
“The industry is doing a stellar job to really meet what we all see as pretty tough conditions being put on us,” Foster noted, highlighting the sector’s commitment to meeting environmental obligations while maintaining economic contributions.
With Mount Arthur announcing closure by 2030 and most Hunter Valley operations concluding by the mid-2030s, the HVO Continuation Project represents critical economic continuity for the region. The project will maintain 1,500 ongoing jobs while generating 600 additional construction positions, supporting multiple flow-on employment opportunities across local businesses and services.
Foster emphasised the strength of global demand, noting that “coal exports remain very strong” and expressing confidence that the coal market will remain robust as “the world needs coal to assist in the energy transition and will for at least the next 20 years.”
Hunter Mining Club Director Jodie Currie praised the strong industry support, noting the event’s rapid sell-out demonstrates the appetite for collaborative advocacy platforms.
“David’s presentation reinforced why projects like the HVO Continuation are essential for our region’s prosperity and why industry unity remains crucial for navigating complex approval processes. It’s important that the community understands the approvals process and the rigorous assessment that these projects go through – and it’s up to all of us to advocate for both their social and political license.” Currie said.
The next Hunter Mining Club event for February 2026 will be announced in the coming weeks, with details available at www.hunterminingclub.com.