Backing the Buller

Bathurst Resources Limited is New Zealand's largest coal mining company, producing close to two million tonnes of coal each year for export and domestic use. Bathurst is a New Zealand-registered company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: BRL) and employs more than 700 people across its operations. The company has developed a portfolio of mining, exploration and rehabilitation assets across New Zealand and operates mines in Southland, Waikato and on the West Coast.

While the majority of Bathurst's mines and workforce are based in New Zealand, the company also holds interests in two developing steelmaking coal projects in British Columbia, Canada. These projects complement Bathurst's New Zealand assets and support its long-term strategy of supplying metallurgical coal to international steel producers.

Bathurst is focused on the responsible extraction and supply of mineral resources from existing and developing assets. The company seeks to balance economic, environmental and social considerations while supplying products used by customers in New Zealand and overseas.

What our coal is used for

Most of Bathurst's coal is used in steelmaking. During FY25, more than 87% of the company's coal production was supplied to steel producers in New Zealand and overseas.

Steel remains a critical material used in infrastructure, transport, construction, renewable energy generation and manufacturing. Metallurgical coal sourced from the Buller Coalfield is a key ingredient in the steelmaking process and is exported primarily to customers in Japan, India and South Korea.

Bathurst also produces coal for domestic markets. This coal supports a range of New Zealand industries, including steel manufacturing, food processing, dairy production and other industrial applications.

Local roots, national impact

Bathurst entered the Buller Coalfield in 2010 through the acquisition of coal exploration assets and mining permits associated with the Escarpment Project on the Denniston Plateau.

The company has been active on the West Coast for more than a decade, undertaking mining, rehabilitation and resource development activities across the Buller Coalfield. In 2017, Bathurst (65%) and Talley's Energy Limited (35%) formed BT Mining Limited to acquire the Stockton, Rotowaro and Maramarua mines. The continuation of the Stockton mine forms part of the Buller Plateaux Continuation Project.

The West Coast contains significant resources of high-quality metallurgical coal. Coal from Stockton and the wider Buller Coalfield is recognised internationally for its low ash content and high fluidity during steelmaking, characteristics valued by steel producers. Due to these qualities, Stockton coal is often blended with other coals by overseas steelmakers as part of their production process.

Our approach to mining

Bathurst's approach is based on understanding and managing the effects of mining throughout the life of a project, from exploration and development through to rehabilitation and closure. Mine planning and mine closure planning are integrated from the outset, with operational decisions informed by long-term rehabilitation and post-mining outcomes.

Mining activities are supported by environmental studies, technical assessments, management plans and monitoring programmes. These identify potential effects and establish measures to avoid, remedy, mitigate or manage those effects where appropriate.

The company operates with a focus on the safety, health and wellbeing of its employees and contractors, recognising that its people are central to the success of the business. Bathurst also undertakes rehabilitation and environmental enhancement activities, including native planting, biodiversity initiatives and the long-term management of rehabilitated land.

Supporting communities and the economy

Bathurst's activities support employment opportunities, contractors, suppliers and local businesses in the regions where it operates. The company contributes to regional economies through wages, procurement, investment and community partnerships.

Bathurst also supports a range of community initiatives and works with local organisations, iwi and stakeholders throughout the life of its operations. These relationships help inform project planning and support outcomes that reflect local priorities and interests.

Contributing to the West Coast

Mining has been an important part of the West Coast's history and economy for generations. The Buller Plateaux Continuation Project seeks to support the continuation of existing mining activities and associated economic benefits while enabling progressive rehabilitation and mine closure activities across the project area. The Project includes a comprehensive Residual Effects Package developed to address residual environmental effects associated with the proposed activities; the package will also generate further employment.

The Project also seeks approval to continue the collection and treatment of historic Crown legacy acid mine drainage and the rehabilitation of land previously mined by the Crown.

Many of Bathurst's employees and contractors live on the West Coast, where they raise families, support local businesses, volunteer in community organisations and contribute to the social fabric of the region.
 

Looking ahead

The Buller Plateaux Continuation Project has been developed to support the continuation of existing mining operations and associated rehabilitation activities on the West Coast. The application is underpinned by technical studies, environmental assessments and management plans that describe the project, its potential effects and the measures proposed to manage those effects.

The Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 provides a pathway for the project to be considered through a single approvals process. If approved, the project would support the continuation of mining, rehabilitation and environmental management activities while contributing to employment and economic activity on the West Coast.

For further information about Bathurst Resources, please see www.bathurst.co.nz

For more information or media statement, please contact the project team directly via info@bpcp.co.nz