A final decision on the application to extend the Mt Thorley and Warkworth mines will now be made by the independent Planning Assessment Commission after the department responded to the matters raised by the PAC.
A spokesman for the department said: “The department also concluded that the project would result in a range of broad economic benefits for the region, including ongoing employment for the 1,300 people that work at the mine.
“The department’s assessment found that through the implementation of strict conditions the impacts of the project can be effectively managed, including in Bulga village.”
Last month the PAC said it was satisfied that the benefits from Rio Tinto’s proposed Mt Thorley Warkworth 20 year extension project outweigh its potential impacts and on balance the project is approvable, with strict conditions.
Under NSW’s new mining policy, the PAC “carefully balanced the key areas of concern, including Aboriginal cultural heritage, final voids, air quality and noise, and the socio-economic benefits”, it said.
Rio Tinto is seeking to produce 10 million tonnes of thermal coal a year from the open cut complex after its current permit expires in June 2017.
The recommended conditions require Rio Tinto to comply with strict noise and dust limits; operate a real-time environmental monitoring system in Bulga village and surrounds; regularly report to government and the local community about the environmental impact of the mine; and protect at least 2,900 hectares of biodiversity offset land in the region, including 1,300 hectares of land adjacent to the Goulburn River National Park.
It would also have to establish 1,600 hectares of woodland on the site upon completion of mining; lodge a $1 million bond with the NSW government to ensure the successful regeneration of the endangered Warkworth Sands Woodland; establish an Aboriginal cultural heritage conservation area and contribute $700,000 for managing historic heritage values in the locality; and contribute $11 million to Singleton Council for community enhancement projects focusing on Bulga village.
