Unauthorised operations alleged at New Acland Coal Mine

An investigation is under way over allegations of unauthorised operations at a Darling Downs coal mine.

THE Environment and Science Department is investigating allegations of unauthorised operations and noise at the New Acland Coal Mine.

A department spokesman said an investigation had started at the Darling Downs mine, owned by New Hope, after reports were received from the community.

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However a spokesman for the coal miner said it “strongly disagrees” with any suggestion that any operations were unauthorised, and said the company was working closely with the department.

“New Acland Coal (NAC) confirms it has received correspondence from the Department of Environment and Science in regard to mining operations at NAC,” he said.

“We are confident of a positive outcome.”

The spokesman said the investigation was ongoing.

“Officers from DES continue to gather information about alleged breaches of environmental authority conditions and the Environmental Protection Act 1994,” he said.

“DES appreciates the community’s concern for the environment.

“As a strong environmental regulator, DES is committed to investigating all community reports made to the department.”