The company, which said it would be pursuing environmental approvals for its mine, is continuing to support programs that encourage local employment.

Its Hume Coal Apprenticeship Program provides $250,000 worth of funding a year.

The program supports the training and development of the Southern Highlands community and the economic growth and education provision, by placing these funded apprentices in local businesses.

Hume Coal will be creating more than 300 local long term jobs, it said.

On 25 May, Hume Coal attended the 2016 Southern Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SHCCI) Jobs & Careers Expo at the Mittagong RSL.

This annual event provides local businesses with the opportunity to showcase their organisation and network with other businesses in the area.

“We met with dozens of locals and provided them with helpful information about the many types of jobs, apprenticeships and traineeship opportunities we'll be offering as part of the project - both now and into the future,” it said.

“Our Apprentice Field Officer, Meagan Thorpe, was also on hand to talk to visiting school leavers about our Hume Coal Apprenticeship Program, which provides funding to individuals who are successful in applying for apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities within the Southern Highlands.

“In attendance were two of our funded apprentices, Jack who is completing his Mechanical Engineering trade and Alyssa who is an Early Childhood Trainee.”