A Department of Planning spokesman told International Coal News that it was aware of the urgency but may not be ready by the end of September.

The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union’s NSW South Western District vice-president Graeme Osborne said yesterday it was “imperative” the mine expansion be approved by September 30 or the mine could go into care and maintenance, which would be “a disaster” for the community and workers.

The Springvale mine extension project was the subject of a public hearing and review by the independent Planning Assessment Commission earlier this month.

The commission provided its review report to Planning Minister Rob Stokes on September 15 regarding Springvale looking to extend its underground mining operations within its mining lease and exploration licence areas to the east and the southwest of its existing operations.

“The NSW government understands the importance of a timely determination on the project in order to provide certainty to the Lithgow community,” a Department of Planning and Environment’s community and stakeholder engagement unit spokesman told ICN.

“The department is finalising its assessment of the project as efficiently and as rigorously as possible before submitting the project to the commission for final determination.”

Centennial recently stood down 300 workers on forced leave at Springvale, citing a lag in the approvals process, adding that the department’s recommendation was too late to save jobs.

Stokes ordered a second public hearing set for September 3 over plans to extend the mine’s life by 13 years, just days after the Department of Planning recommended the extension be approved last month.

“Every day that goes by is another day when people are not working and wondering whether they will be able pay next month’s rent or mortgage repayment,” Osborne said.

“It’s imperative that we get the final tick of approval as soon as possible to give mineworkers and their families certainty that their jobs are safe.”