Springvale is 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.

Centennial, which owns Springvale in a 50-50 joint venture with SK Kores Australia, said there were 49.5 million tonnes of coal reserves remaining at the mine.

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

A PAC review panel approved the extension in June.

Tensions are mounting as Centennial stood down 300 workers on forced leave at Springvale, blaming a lag in the approvals process and saying the department’s recommendation was too late to save jobs.

"We have had no other option than to stand down the majority of the Springvale workforce by August 21, and until such time as the appropriate approvals have been secured [they won't return to work],” a Centennial spokeswoman said at the time.

The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union’s NSW South Western District vice-president Graeme Osborne said it was “imperative” the final tick of approval be given by September 30 as workers were being made to wait on their own futures.

“The Planning Assessment Commission’s recommendation is great news for our community, but we need the Planning Minister to approve the mine extension as soon as possible,” Osborne said.

“At the moment, two thirds of the workforce at Springvale have been stood down and they are anxiously waiting for a final decision to be made about their futures.

“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.

“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.”

Osborne said if the September 30 deadline was not met, the mine might have to go into care and maintenance, which would be “a disaster”

“This is a tight timeframe and we urge the NSW Planning Minister to ensure the approvals process is completed as soon as possible this month,” he said.

International Coal News has contacted Minister Stokes’ office for comment.