The mine’s current approvals run out on 31 December this year and the mine has applied to extend the approval for mining operations until 31 December 2020.

All other aspects of the mining operations will remain as currently approved, including the area of the underground mines, production rates and surface activities like coal transportation and water management.

A department spokesperson said: “Mining has been undertaken in this area since 1912 and the mine project would employ 110 people as well as generating $47 million royalties for NSW.

“The mine operators have only extracted about 15% of the available coal resource since 2011, partly due to the trapping of a longwall mining machine inside the mine.

“Wollongong Coal is currently undertaking mine planning and environmental studies for potential future projects and they are also seeking this modification to continue operations at the Wongawilli Colliery until those applications have been prepared.”

The Department has recommended the Commission approve the project, subject to strict conditions including environmental controls, the spokesperson said.