The miner reconsidered its initial layout for the Appin mine Area 7 to avoid mining under the river, effectively sterilizing a portion of the mine's reserve.

To accommodate the shortfall Illawarra Coal sought approval to mine longwall 409 and into Appin Area 3 while development for panels in Area 7 could be completed.

Longwall 409 is situated to the west of Appin town and is forecast to provide 5 months of premium quality coking coal production.

Illawarra coal manager of communications and consultation Rosanne Moore said approving the new areas was a win for the company and the company's 2000 employees.