Centennial Coal has no option other than to stand down the majority of the Springvale workforce by 21 August, its executive general manager external affairs Katie Brassil said in a statement.

“Springvale mine requires both state and federal approvals to allow it to continue operating,” she said.

“The NSW Department of Planning is still assessing our project and it is yet to be submitted to the NSW Planning and Assessment Commission (PAC) for final determination.”

A bilateral planning assessment process exists with the federal government. Therefore when a state approval has been secured, there is a statutory 30 business day federal assessment process.

“In addition to the over 300 jobs currently at Springvale, it is the only mine that can supply coal to Mt Piper Power Station, who is also a significant local employer, which generates approximately 15% of the state’s power needs,” Brassil said.

“Security of energy supply in NSW could potentially be impacted.

“In order to protect local jobs and to secure coal supplies to the local power station we are seeking approval for the Springvale mine extension as soon as possible.”