In its summary of the Anglo American project, the independent PAC said the horse studs “should be protected from the impacts of mining” given their significance to the region and the New South Wales economy.
“It seems noise, blasting, lighting, and maybe even air emissions could have the potential to disrupt or impact on the breeding operations of the stud,” the report said.
“In considering these issues the Commission is of the view that there are real risks to the viability of the Coolmore and Woodlands Studs.”
The Commission made five recommendations including any future proposal should be based further back then the 1.5 kilometre buffer it currently had from Coolmore Stud at Jerry’s Plains.
Breeders had threatened to leave New South Wales if the project was approved, with the state government set to reap close to $950-million in royalties during its lifetime.
After years of protests, the state government referred the project to the Independent PAC, which had to weigh up whether the financial benefits and ongoing employment of 500 workers outweighed the horse studs concerns.
Anglo American had reportedly spent $60 million on technical reports.
