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The project will see the extension of the Appin Mine to a new area known as Douglas Area 7 and will secure employment for up to 400 people.
The environmental effects of subsidence were a big issue surrounding the new longwall mine, and after extensive community consultation, the NSW Department of Primary Industries gave the approval but prevented any mining beneath the Nepean River.
The subsidence management plan for the mine also requires that 12 million tonnes of coal be left in the ground to minimise impacts on the nearby river.
General manager of sustainable development Wendy Tyrrell said the Douglas Project is critical to the future of Illawarra Coal and its biggest customer, the Australian steel industry.
The coal produced by Illawarra Coal represents approximately 90% of the coking coal used in Australian steel production.
“This approval follows extensive consideration of all aspects of the application by the regulatory authorities. We have complete confidence in this process and the management plans associated with the application,” Tyrrell said.
