Penalty Notice issued to Mt Thorley Pty Ltd (SSD-6465, Singleton Shire LGA)

On 13 August 2021, the Department issued a $15,000 Penalty Notice to Mt Thorley Pty Ltd (Mt Thorley) for failing to ensure that no mine water is discharged from the Mt Thorley Warkworth mine complex. A rainfall event on 4-6 January 2021 resulted in a mine water dam overtopping and mine water discharging from site. An investigation by the Department concluded that Mt Thorley failed to design and maintain the mine water dams to comply with water management performance measures. Mt Thorley has committed to reviewing their water management infrastructure and their Water Management Plan to ensure no mine water is discharged from site.