Planning Minister Tony Kelly said a further 75 construction jobs would also be created as a result of the approval, which will allow extraction of up to eight million tonnes of coal per year for 21 years at the underground mine between Tarrawan and Baan Baa. The mine’s total workforce is likely to surge to more than 200 workers.

“The Narrabri Coal operation already delivers a hugely important stimulus to the local economy and this expansion is set to expand those benefits significantly,” Mr Kelly said.

“Over its lifetime, the mine will extract around $17 billion worth of coal and contribute up to $36 million a year in wages.

“As part of the approval, the mine has also agreed to provide $1.5 million to Narrabri Shire Council for the construction of a swimming complex in Narrabri as part of

a Community Enhancement

Program.”

The extraction of coal under the approved expansion will be undertaken through longwall mining techniques, with the extracted coal to be taken by rail to the Port of Newcastle.

Mr Kelly said a number of leading experts had reviewed the proposal, particularly in relation to subsidence, groundwater and surface water, and the department’s assessment found any potential impacts could be appropriately managed.