A proposed $300 billion Glencore-Rio Tinto merger may revive Rio Tinto’s involvement in NSW’s Hunter Valley coal expansion, altering plans due to environmental concerns.

A potential $300 billion merger between Glencore and Rio Tinto could affect the Hunter Valley Operations coal expansion in New South Wales, as Rio Tinto may re-enter the project if the deal proceeds. HVO, a joint venture with Yancoal, revised its 2025 plans amid environmental concerns, reducing coal extraction by 220 million tonnes, cutting annual output at the south pit to 13 million tonnes, and shortening the mine’s life to 2045 and 2042. The changes followed scrutiny over methane emissions, with one analysis estimating the project’s 20-year emissions would exceed annual global shipping emissions. Environmental groups and agencies raised concerns about impacts on the Great Barrier Reef, though HVO argued such factors should not influence the federal decision. Glencore confirmed talks are ongoing but stressed no deal is certain.