The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced it has granted interim authorisation to allow a group of large-scale coal miners the right to collectively bargain for water wupply.

 

Under the interim ruling, Cockatoo Coal, Cuesta Coal, MetroCoal, Peabody Energy, QC Resource Investments and Whiehaven Coal will commence collective negotiations with SunWater for the supply of water and the development of the Nathan Dam project in central Queensland.

 

Interim authorisation also extends to the producers to collectively negotiate interim water supply arrangements with SunWater while the Nathan Dam is being constructed.

 

“This decision allows the coal producers and SunWater to step up current negotiations to aid the timely construction of the proposed Nathan Dam project,” ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said.

 

“It will also assist in avoiding unnecessary delays in the development of a series of coal mines in Queensland and related coal sales.”

 

Interim authorisation only extends to any agreement entered into which contains a condition precedent, such that the agreement will not come into force unless final authorisation is granted by the ACCC.