The NSW state regulator gave the approval of a coal mine expansion project of Australian miner Whitehaven Coal. The project once was criticized for harming local agricultural communities, Reuters reported.
Once in 2018, Whitehaven applied to expand the Vickery coal mine. In mid-May, 2020, the state government gave the green light to it after making assessment of its impact.
The A$700-million Vickery expansion would create jobs for 500 workers and 450 ongoing roles during construction, said Whitehaven.
Expanded Vickery will increase 25% coal production and lift yearly peak extraction rate more than three-fold.
The Independent Planning Commission (IPC) of the state said it received 1,928 independent opinions on the project, 40% yes and 57% no. However, the commission thought the possible effect brought by it is acceptable and in the public interest.
However the Lock the Gate Alliance concerned that it would affect the framing, communities and water supply.
In addition, this project also sparked a huge outcry from local farmers and environment groups for the potential damage on water resources and state forest.
(Writing by Rebecca Liu Editing by Tammy Yang)
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