New South Wales coal mine receives approval

The New South Wales (NSW) Planning Assessment Commission (PAC) has granted approval to China-owned Shenhua for the proposed AUS$1 billion Watermark coal mine in the Australian state's central west.

According to the Australian Financial Review, the Liverpool Plains project will now require approval under the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, which could split National and Liberal MPs. 

The PAC said the mine would be built above fertile black soils in the area, and "would not disturb the fertile soil". In granting approval, the PAC put an end to a four-year approval process.

The state-owned Chinese company has said the 30-year project will produce 10 million tpy of coal and create the equivalent of 600 full-time jobs.

Edited from various sources by Sam Dodson

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/exploration-and-development/30012015/approval-for-new-australian-coal-mine-1817/