It also increased the buffer between the mine and the local horse studs’ operating areas and introduced world-class environmental management practices, he said at a community BBQ event hosted by the Drayton mine.

“Having the community support us as we present the new Environmental Impact Statement and project benefits to the NSW government is absolutely crucial to demonstrate how important this project is to the local industry, families and community,” Fairhurst said.

“With coal reserves at the Drayton mine due to run out in the near future, the new project will extend the operations of the mine by a further 15 years, saving 500 local jobs and providing work for 140 local businesses and $60 million in annual government royalties and taxes.”

Anglo American NSW stakeholder engagement manager Matt Frodsham said the BBQ was a huge success and a chance for local families to find out about the details of the revised Drayton South plan, while also continuing Anglo American's commitment to supporting local community groups.

“Anglo American is a proud supporter of the community in which we live and operate, so we are delighted to have so many community groups, local candidates and businesses come along to find out about the project,” Frodsham said.

“We are also very pleased to be able to make this donation to the local community groups that play such an important role in our community.

“This was the second community BBQ in the region, and Anglo American will continue to host monthly community BBQs to engage and inform the community about the project.”