According to the article by ABC News Australia, Gunnedah Basin mining giant Whitehaven Coal (WHC) is planning to bury hundreds of used heavy-machinery tires on its Tarrawonga Coal Mine site in north-west New South Wales.

ABC reports that while the mine, located within the boundary of the Leard State Forest, is expected to close by 2028, WHC wants to bury some 730 tires on the site. Reportedly, it sits within the boundaries of the Leard State Forest and has been earmarked for revegetation. Landholders say it would be an offense if they did the same thing.

The source says WHC is going to modify its development consent to allow for the disposal of approximately 730 tires on the site. That includes an estimated 187 tires stockpiled on site and about 78 tires each year until the mine closes. The company argues recycling the tires is not a realistic option despite the existence of a National Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme, first launched by the then Environment Minister Greg Hunt in 2014. Defending its position on burying the tires, the company said that "Recycling facilities do not exist proximal to the TCM... Transport of waste heavy-vehicle tires to these facilities is not viable."

Currently, the company’s decision is being debated about by the Environmental Protection Agency, local residents and environmentalists.

To read more about the issue, please proceed to the original article by ABC News Australia.