The mine is expected to yield up to 10 million tonnes of saleable thermal coal a year over 30 years, with production being capped at 260Mt over the life of the mine.

The mine plan is part of BHP Billiton’s Gateway submission to the NSW government, which is the first step in the mining approvals process. The submission will also include a preliminary assessment of the potential impacts of the project on the agricultural values of the land.

NSW Energy Coal Asset president Peter Sharpe said the mine plan confirmed BHP Billiton’s commitment to protect water resources and agricultural land on the Liverpool Plains.

“The preliminary environmental studies undertaken for the Gateway submission indicate that the proposed underground mine will not impact the alluvial irrigation aquifers essential for agricultural production in the area,” he said.

The Gateway submission also indicates that the proposed underground mine will be developed on Doona Ridge and Nicholas Ridge; not impact on the agricultural productivity of strategic agricultural land in the area; and require less than 8% of the ridged country for surface infrastructure such as buildings, coal stockpiles and access roads.

BHP Billiton said it would generate up to 400 full-time jobs at peak production and up to 600 during construction.

“The Gateway is the first of several assessments that will need to be completed before the proposed underground coal mine can be developed at Caroona,” Sharpe said.

“In preparation for the next approval stage, BHP Billiton will continue to work with the community and relevant stakeholders over the coming months to develop a comprehensive environmental impact statement for the project.

“This process will help us identify and better understand any potential social and environmental impacts associated with the proposal and explore ways to minimise these.

“We will only mine at Caroona if we can satisfy the strict environmental requirements for each stage of assessment and show real benefits of the project for the economy and community.”

The Gateway process is an independent, scientific and upfront assessment of how a mining production proposal will impact the agricultural values of the land on which it is proposed, according to BHP Billiton

The mine plan being submitted for the Gateway assessment was presented to the Caroona Coal Project Community Consultative Committee on Wednesday.