The Moolarben Coal Complex is located in the northern part of the Western Coalfield, on the northwest margin of the Sydney Basin.

Coal occurs in mid to late Permian age (approximately 250 to 275 million years before present) sediments collectively known as the Illawarra Coal Measures (also referred to as Permian coal measures). The Ulan Seam is targeted at the Moolarben Coal Complex.

Narrabeen Group sediments (sandstones and conglomerates) of Triassic age (approximately 200 to 250 million years before present) overlie the coal measures, which in turn overlie older basement rocks of sedimentary (Shoalhaven Group) and igneous origin. Small intrusive plugs and remnant Tertiary-age (approximately 5 to 65 million years before present) basalt flows also outcrop in the area. Unconsolidated and partially consolidated Tertiary-age palaeochannel and Quaternary-age (less than approximately 5 million years before present) sediments occur as valley fill and along dominant drainage lines.

Moolarben Coal Complex has been operating for several years and at full development will comprise three open cut mines (OC1, OC2 and OC3), a longwall underground mine (UG4), and mining related infrastructure (including coal processing and transport facilities) (Figure 2). Stage 2 at the Moolarben Coal Complex has commenced and at full development will comprise one open cut mine (OC4), two longwall underground mines (UG1 and UG2) and mining related infrastructure.

Separation Equipment
- Two/single stage 1450 mm dense medium cyclones (-50 +2 mm)
- Two stage spiral banks (-2 +0.125 mm)
- Two stage Jameson cells for froth flotation (-0.125mm).