Project Overview

GM³ has submitted a modification to its existing Bulli Seam Operations Project Approval (MP 08_0150) to develop and operate a ventilation air methane abatement demonstration plant.

The Project aims to enable further greenhouse gas (GHG) abatement of ventilation air methane from Appin Mine. The demonstration plant will use a Regenerative Thermal Oxidiser (RTO) to convert methane (CH4) into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water through oxidisation. This is an established, proven design that is used worldwide.

With methane having 28 times the global warming potential than (CO2), VAM abatement offers GM³ a significant opportunity for emissions reduction.

How a Regenerative Thermal Oxidiser (RTO) Works.

RTO operates on a regenerative cycle where it completes the following processes:

VAM enters the RTO and is directed into a packed bed filled with a ceramic media where it is pre-heated. The packed beds provide a large surface area to facilitate efficient heat transfer.

The pre-heated VAM enters a chamber where it is heated to a set-point between 800 to 1,100 degrees Celsius (°C) and undergoes oxidisation, producing CO2 and water.

The resulting CO2, water, and any unreacted methane pass through a second packed bed filled with ceramic media, where heat is captured.

The VAM flow is periodically reversed between the two packed beds, maintaining high thermal efficiency through continuous regeneration of the ceramic media.

Click here to view the Modification Report for detailed project information.

  • Benefits

    Once operational, the plant aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 36,000 tonnes CO2-e per year, the equivalent of taking about 8,500 cars off the road.

    The Project would also serve as a significant case study for the industry, showcasing the practical application of VAM abatement for fugitive emissions from underground coal mines. Its successful implementation and outcomes would provide valuable insights and data that would be used to inform future VAM abatement projects.

  • Environment

    If approved, the new demonstration plant will be constructed and operated under strict environmental approval conditions set by the New South Wales Government. We take our environmental responsibilities seriously and understand the sensitivities of working nearby to residential communities.

    Environmental assessments have been developed for the modification including noise, air quality, traffic, heritage and biodiversity.

    For more details on these assessments read below.

  • Approvals

    GM³ has submitted a modification to the existing approval (MP 08_0150) to build and operate a VAM demonstration plant at Ventilation Shaft No.6.

    The application has been submitted to the NSW government and will be placed on public exhibition on the NSW Government Major Projects website.

    click here to see the modification application 

Assessments

Technical experts have conducted assessments to guide the design, construction, and operation of the proposed facilities. These assessments, aligned with regulatory criteria, are included in the Modification Application lodged in January 2025. For more details please visit the NSW Major Projects Website.

  • Construction will generally occur within standard construction hours (Mon to Sat, 7am to 6pm).
  • Noise levels are expected to comply with the NSW EPA’s Interim Construction Noise Guidelines, with brief exceptions for high-intensity equipment such as rock breakers.
  • Air quality and atmospheric dispersion worst-case scenarios for the plant have been modelled.
  • The assessment focused on key pollutants including airborne particulates (PM10), nitrogen oxide (NO2), and carbon monoxide (CO).
  • All air pollutants levels meet assessment criteria in both current and proposed scenarios at all sensitive receptors (i.e. nearby residences).
  • The site would be accessed via a private road off Menangle Road, north of its intersection with Camden Road.
  • With a main construction period of 12 months, mostly confined to daytime hours, traffic impacts are expected to be minor.
  • The demonstration plant will be screened by mature existing vegetation and terrain.
  • No aboriginal objects or areas of interest were identified.
  • No non-aboriginal heritage items have been identified in the area.