The mine’s general manager, John Blanning, said on Wednesday that approval of three expansion proposals would consolidate “the future of [the] mining industry in the region.”

Mr Blanning’s comments came as the company prepares to have its expansion reviewed by an independent Planning Assessment Commission this month.

Expansion would include a third open cut mine, two underground mines and supporting infrastructure, as well as an extension to current open cut pits one and two. Approval will allow extraction of up to 17 million tonnes of run of mine coal from the complex each year up to 2037. 

On February 26 and 27, residents across the Mid-Western Region can present their final say on Moolarben Coal’s expansion when the Commission meets at Mudgee Town Hall Auditorium for public hearings.

On Tuesday a NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure spokesman said it had all but approved Moolarben’s plans.

“The department’s preliminary assessment concluded that the project was a logical extension to the Moolarben Mine’s Stage One operation and should be approved given the significant predicted local, regional and state economic benefits, including additional jobs and investment,” the spokesman said.

Mr Blanning said since Stage One mining operations commenced in 2010, the Moolarben Coal Project had created 220 construction jobs and 317 full time jobs.

“If approved this expansion will provide approximately 440 full time operational jobs for the life of the Project and a much needed injection of flow-on jobs and economic benefits to the Mid-Western Region,” Mr Blanning said.

“At peak production the project will contribute $47 million per annum in royalties to the NSW government and provide over $700 million in wider economic benefits to the local region.”

The Department said the mine’s potential environmental impacts could be managed “subject to strict conditions” that would “address community concerns around water, traffic and noise.”

Announcement of the expansion’s referral to the Planning Assessment Commission first appeared in the Mudgee Guardian on Friday, February 7. The commission will comprise of Gabrielle Kibble AO, Brian Gilligan and Garry Payne AM.

The first public hearing in Mudgee Town Hall Auditorium will occur at 1pm on Wednesday, February 26, for Moolarben Coal’s Stage Two and associated Stage One Modification Three projects. The hearing will continue to Thursday if required.

A second hearing will occur at 2pm on Thursday, February 27, for the Stage One Modification Nine project.

If residents wish to speak at either hearing they should call Stephanie Calderaro on (02) 9383 2112 before 1pm on Friday, February 21. Written submissions can be made to Megan Webb, NSW Planning Assessment Commission, GPO Box 3415, Sydney, NSW, 2001.

- Implementation of a water management system to ensure zero discharge of contaminated water from the site and comprehensive water monitoring.

- Noise mitigation to be made available to properties that would be moderately impacted.

- $1.5 million in community enhancement works.

- Implementation of the Ulan Road strategy to undertake agreed necessary road improvements.

- The offset and rehabilitation of more than 5500 hectares of native vegetation, with more than 1100 hectares to be permanently conserved and protected.

- Conservation in perpetuity protection of 94 Aboriginal heritage sites (including 10 highly significant sites) within four conservation areas surrounding the site.