Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group has received approval to increase maximum throughput from 66 million tonnes to 79 million tonnes per annum.
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The Newcastle Herald reported in April that the company had applied to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to have its 2007 planning approval amended.
The company said the modification was necessary to accommodate increased demand for its unique service if needed in the future.
The application was made despite the fact NCIG expected to export no more than 55 million tonnes in 2020.
NCIG and the Kooragang and Carrington terminals operated by Port Waratah Coal Services (PWCS) shipped 164 million tonnes in 2019, significantly less than the 208 million tonnes that the three loaders are licensed to handle.
But NCIG's Statement of Environmental Effects said exports could hit 225 million tonnes within two years and that lifting NCIG's limit would help meet demand now that PWCS had shelved its planned T4 loader.
There will be no new infrastructure required to achieve the increase in throughput, and no changes to existing environmental limits.
Cheif executive Aaron Johansen said the company was looking forward to offering shareholders more flexibility with transportation and stockpiling.
"This is a great outcome for NCIG, further strengthening our commitment to our stakeholders and the Hunter region. It also demonstrates confidence in the coal industry and the importance the sector has to the regional and state economy, now and into the future," he said.
"Our dedicated stockpiling service allows our customers to make better use of the overall coal chain infrastructure by de-linking their production and rail operations from the vessel loading function. We see the potential for higher demand for this unique service offering in the future."
NCIG said it would continue to monitor its environmental performance to ensure the increase in terminal capacity had no negative impacts on residential neighbours.
Lock The Gate's NSW coordinator, Georgina Woods, said in April that the capacity expansion "underscores the Hunter's and Australia's confusion about climate change, and its implications for local industry".
"In the absence of political leadership, multinational mining companies continue to set our course," Ms Woods said.
"We face an uncertain future if coal demand falls as Asian countries switch to cleaner and cheaper renewable energy."
"If this modification allows for the closure of the export terminal at Carrington that could be very positive for Newcastle, but only if it is planned and prepared for.
"We need new sustainable industry to be built in its place, responding to climate change, making use of the Hunter's proud industrial and maritime history and giving the region some control over its destiny.
"We can't expect coal mining and export companies to plan our diversified future.
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IN THE NEWS:
Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
