Current Modification Applications
Overview
The Modification 16 - NTSF Buttress Optimisation (Mod 16) Scoping Letter was sent to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) in November 2025. DPHI will put the full project application on public exhibition for comment early in 2026.
What does Modification 16 include?
Mod 16 will request approval to:
Buttress the NTSF southern wall with recovered sand.
Emplace and stockpile excess recovered sand within the approved STSF disturbance footprint and height.
Integrate the approved demonstration embankment into the proposed NTSF southern wall buttress to form part of the final landform.
The environmental matters that will be assessed for the Mod 16 are air quality (dust emissions), noise, landscape and visual, and geotechnical. These matters would be subject to detailed technical assessment, with other environmental matters subject to qualitative assessment by an independent expert.
Importantly, there are no proposed changes to the approved TSF heights, mine life, processing rate, mining methods or the general surface operations and processing activities associated with the existing Cadia East Project.
Supporting jobs, investment and the transition to net zero
Cadia is one of the region’s most significant economic drivers and around one third of the mine’s service spending, or more than $200 million per year, goes directly to paying the salaries and wages of our workforce.
In 2023-24, Cadia also paid $108M million to the NSW Government in royalties, stamp duty, payroll tax and land tax to support better services and infrastructure across NSW. We also paid more than $7.7 million in rates, road maintenance and other payments to Blayney, Cabonne and Orange Councils.
Cadia will continue to consult with the local community and invest in community support programs and partnerships as part of its long-term commitment to the region.
Mod 16 will strengthen Cadia’s role as a key copper and gold producer, supporting jobs in New South Wales while maintaining our commitment to environmental sustainability and community wellbeing.