BHP’s Mt Arthur Coal held its first ever community tree planting day in early April, welcoming almost 200 people through their gates to plant trees that will be at the site as part of its rehabilitation for many years to come.
Among the attendees were local schools including St James Primary, St Josephs Aberdeen, Muswellbrook High School’s Polly Farmer Program and Singleton High School’s Clontarf Academy.
Mt Arthur Coal General Manager Darryl Messenger said it was wonderful to welcome so many locals to the site.
“The community told us they want to see a flourishing natural environment at Mt Arthur post closure, and it is something they’d like to be involved in, so it was great to open the gates and get the community on-site to get their hands dirty.
“It is our job to make sure we leave this site in a way which will allow it to benefit the community for future generations when the mine ceases to operate.
“The community helped us do that by planting trees which will be here for many years to come. We have many more trees to plant, at the moment we are planting around 10,000 trees a year,” explained Darryl.
The attendees didn’t just plant trees, they enjoyed a tour of Mt Arthur and learnt more about the closure plan and how they’re managing Indigenous Cultural Heritage.
BHP will cease mining operations at Mt Arthur in just five years’ time, and Darryl said they’re keen to continue working with the community and encourage other industries to the region.
“We are also looking at other ways we can make sure our site benefits the community and future generations by bringing other industries here which could provide jobs for the future. Things like renewable energy projects, agricultural projects and maybe also some areas which the community could use such as bike tracks or walking trails.
“BHP is committed to leaving a positive legacy in the Hunter Valley.”
