Flexibility is behind a Clarence Colliery move to seek approval to increase the number of full-time equivalent positions at the site from 300 to 400.
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Lithgow City Council noted at its August 26 meeting that the colliery was applying to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to modify their development application to allow for the increase.
The increase would include mine workers, coal handling and preparation plant staff, apprentices and contractors, the report stated.
"The extra personnel would help improve productivity following the commencement of additional rib bolting as part of underground operations," the report from council's director of economic development and environment Andrew Muir said.
Extraction limits will not change.
Councillors made it clear an increase in positions would be very welcome.
"I think we can be very happy that there's movement in the coal industry," Cr Maree Statham said.
However, Cr Steve Ring said it was important to note that the report gave no guarantee of a delivery of 100 extra jobs.
"It says they want the capacity to increase to 100 for operational needs. We're not talking about increasing coal production," he said.
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