The scoping report for Ulan West Modification 8 has now been lodged with the Department of Planning and Environment. Exploration in areas EL 8687 and EL 9363 has been assessed as part of the Ulan West Continuation Project, which involves an additional 7 underground longwall panels extending westward. These panels are predicted to produce approximately 38 million tonnes of coal, with operations continuing until 2041.

The report highlights significant potential impacts on water resources, biodiversity, Aboriginal cultural heritage, and the local community. Many small farms and properties in the area depend on springs and a high water table, which are already under pressure from groundwater drawdown due to ongoing Ulan Mine operations.

The justification for this expansion is very poor. Although Ulan Mine has approval to extract up to 20 million tonnes of coal annually until 2033, it only managed 11.3 million tonnes in 2023. The promised public benefits — such as royalties and economic contributions — are not being met, while the environmental, social, and cultural costs continue to escalate.