Mining began in the area back in 1871 and the mine now produces about three million tonnes of limestone annually.

The majority of this material is incorporated into cement manufacturing at Boral’s Berrima Cement Works, a supplier of around 60 per cent of the overall need for cement in NSW and the ACT.

Until now, the limestone mine has relied upon ‘continuing use rights’ and a range of other approvals for its day-to-day operation.

However, as a result of amendments to both mining and planning laws in the last 10 years, an SSD approval is now the appropriate pathway.

Marulan South Limestone Mine Manager Les Longhurst said Boral had already commenced the task of gathering the wide variety of information needed for the application, which would seek to extend the mine’s operations.

“As it has for much of the past century, Marulan South Limestone plays a key role in the growth and development of NSW and the ACT,” Mr Longhurst said.

“The resource is there to continue this role and Boral is committed to obtaining the necessary approval to secure the site’s future.

“We have had experts looking at things such as air quality, water management, flora and fauna, heritage, transport and a range of other relevant topics.

The information we have gathered will help shape the eventual SSD application we’ll submit to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.”

Mr Longhurst said apart from the 30-year continuation, Boral’s proposal will seek approval to mine up to 3.5 million tonnes of limestone per year, with an associated broadening and deepening of the existing mine pit.

“The application will also outline plans for the transfer of the resulting ‘overburden’ into the ‘south pit’ of the mine, which is to be filled and rehabilitated. In addition, new overburden emplacements will be proposed for the west and northwest of the limestone operations and for the neighbouring Boral Peppertree Quarry,” he said.

The application will also include the upgrade measures and ongoing maintenance levies for the repair and maintenance of Marulan South Road are planned. 

These are currently being negotiated with Goulburn Mulwaree Council.

Also included is the re-routing of the road near Boral’s operations to allow for the new overburden emplacements.

Mr Longhurst said a separate application by Boral, would seek departmental approval for some minor changes at the Peppertree Quarry needed to enhance the new quarry’s production rate in the face of increased demand from the building and construction market.

“These changes include permission for an additional six hours of ‘in pit’ activities per day at the 24-hour operation, establishing an additional overburden emplacement area, and confirmation of a combined annual 600,000 tonnes of material from both sites being moved along Marulan South Road,” he said.

“The two applications and the detail required in order to submit them is reflective of the importance of the Marulan South Limestone and Peppertree Quarry sites.

“Boral’s is a major local employer and long-standing contributor to the local community, the Marulan region will also gain from an approval which allows us to carry on the century-old tradition established at Marulan South.”