The view came as a PAC panel ran a public hearing over the project at Wollongong’s WIN Entertainment Centre yesterday.

“We are confident that the PAC will recognise the merits of the project and agree that with strict recommended operating conditions we can unlock the economic and social benefits of the project for the region, while ensuring the protection of the local environment,” Wollongong Coal chief operating officer Dave Stone said.

“The last few years have not been without challenge for our operations but with new management and ownership in place we stand ready to secure a sustainable long-term future and our place as key member of the Illawarra region.

“Approval of the UEP project is an important first step in delivering that vision.”

The company expects to overcome groundwater-based fears for the mine which is located 11km from the Cataract Reservoir Dam Structure.

“Detailed studies demonstrate that less than one percent of the water entering the mine is potentially coming from the reservoir catchment,” Stone said.

“We can assure the community that there is a negligible effect on the quality or quantity of water entering the reservoir.”

He also made reference to the approval PAC made in November, which allowed the company to extract part of one of the project’s eight planned longwall panels.

“Regulators and the Department of Planning now agree key environmental features including upland swamps and the Cataract Reservoir can be protected through strict operating conditions,” Stone said.

“This is considered on the back of the recent approval for 365m of Longwall 6 that the operation has gained.”

However, PAC also commented that the “employment justification” was wearing thin when it gave Wollongong that approval.

In October the commission overruled state planning department recommendations in rejecting plans to extend the Drayton, Invincible and Cullen Valley coal mines.

Russell Vale’s expansion project is targeting an increased rate of 4.7 million tonnes per annum run of mine over a five-year mine life.

Planning Minister Pru Goward previously told PAC to complete its review by March 20.