Image of Appin Mine Ventilation Shaft No.6 existing infrastructure.
GM3 is pleased to announce that we have received approval by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to construct and operate a ventilation air methane (VAM) abatement demonstration plant as part of our Bulli Seam Operations (BSO) Project (Appin Mine).
The Project will serve as a significant case study for the industry, showcasing the practical application of VAM abatement for fugitive emissions from underground coal mines. Its successful implementation and outcomes would provide valuable insights and data to inform future VAM abatement projects.
GM3 CEO Peter Baker welcomed the Project approval:
“This Project is an exciting step forward in our industry’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and driving innovation in the mining sector. It reflects our long-term commitment to delivering sustainability across all aspects of our business.”
The demonstration plant and associated infrastructure will be located adjacent to our existing Appin Mine Ventilation Shaft No.6 at Douglas Park, within the Wollondilly Local Government Area.
VAM contains low concentration methane in the mine ventilation air that existing gas drainage technologies are unable to capture. The plant will trial Regenerative Thermal Oxidiser (RTO) technology to convert VAM from Appin Mine into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water through controlled oxidisation. With methane having around 28 times the global warming potential than CO2, VAM abatement offers a significant opportunity for GM3 to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.
Once operational, the demonstration plant aims to reduce GHG emissions by approximately 36,000 tonnes CO2-e per year.
The demonstration plant will be constructed and operated under strict environmental approval conditions set by the New South Wales Government.
Construction of the plant is expected to commence in 2026 and will be completed in approximately 12 months.
Along with the substantial investment in this technology by GM3, the Project is supported by a grant of up to A$15 million from the Coal Innovation NSW Fund – a NSW government program established to support research, development and the demonstration of low emissions coal technologies for future commercial application.
For more information on the Project, visit the GM3 Community website.