The owner of the biggest coal mine in New South Wales has been accused of backflipping on a plan to cease mining by 2030.

BHP has signed a deal to trade more than a quarter of its open-cut Mount Arthur mine near Muswellbrook to a neighbouring operator in exchange for storage of its mining waste.

Malabar Resources's Maxwell Underground Mine will acquire the 3,700 hectares and a number of exploration and mining licenses.

In 2022, BHP announced it would slowly transition Mount Arthur to closure by 2030 and the region has been preparing for life beyond the mine.

Climate advocacy group The Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility (ACCR) has raised concerns the sale would enable mining to continue beyond 2030.

Head of Engagement and Sector Strategy at the ACCR Naomi Hogan said it wa

See Full Page