The independent Planning Assessment Commission will make the final decision.

The Department has recommended approval of the project after closely considering the Commission’s review, an independent panel’s report on the mine plan, the mining company’s response, and advice from a range of Government agencies.

A spokesperson from the Department said the extension project would result in significant employment and indirect economic benefits for the local area including securing 59 existing jobs, and generating up to 135 jobs when the mine is fully operational.

“In direct response to the Commission’s review in 2015, an independent panel of subsidence experts was established to conduct a review of the company’s mine plan,” the spokesperson said.

“The independent panel’s review made a number of recommendations which are wholly supported by the Department.

Key recommendations include:

·         increasing the protection of cliff lines near former shale mine workings

·         requiring the company to ensure small subsidence levels in early mining stages match predictions before conducting any further miningnear cliffs, steep slopes and pagodas

“Further, an independent expert panel would be established to oversee subsidence monitoring results and provide ongoing advice to the Department.

 “A total of 68 strict conditions addressing issues such as subsidence, water and views have been recommended by the Department.

“All of the Commission’s review report recommendations have been accepted by the Department, excluding one.

“The Department has not adopted the recommendation to provide an alternate, artificial water supply to Village Spring based on advice from the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Any potential impacts on the Village Spring, which is not an identified water source, would not affect the recreational values of the Mugii Murum-ban State Conservation Area.

“The Department has also approved a modification for a three month time extension on the mine’s existing development consent.

“This minor modification does not involve any additional environmental impacts beyond those that have already been approved.

“It allows continued operations at Airly Mine until the Commission makes its decision on the extension project and would secure existing employment for the mine’s workers.

“The Commission is an important part of the NSW planning system ensuring major developments are subject to expert, independent review and assessment.

“The Commission will now consider the Department’s report and recommended conditions as well as community submissions to make a final decision.

“The independent panel’s review is available for public view on the Department’s website.”

For more information visit http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/