Hunter Valley mine plans given green light

Final decision to go to an independent commission

The Drayton South mine is on the doorstep of Darley and Coolmore's Australian operations

Coolmore and Darley's battle to fend off a large-scale open-cut mine on their doorstep in the Hunter Valley of Australia will go to an independent panel to be settled, after the New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment gave plans the green light.

The Department said in a statement on Monday that coal mining and thoroughbred breeding had co-existed in the Hunter Valley for decades with no significant impact on either industry.

A spokesperson said of the Drayton South Coal Project propsal: "The Department has concluded that, with appropriate management and mitigation measures, the two industries can continue to operate in proximity.

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Martin StevensBloodstock journalist

Published on 19 September 2016inInternational

Last updated 20:43, 19 September 2016

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