Mineral Resources Minister Eddie Obeid announced that the NSW government has handed over a new lease, covering about 1793ha, for the underground mine near Muswellbrook.

“The extension gives 300 mine workers greater security and it will create 100 new jobs during construction of an extension to the colliery,” Obeid said.

Anglo plans to invest more than $57 million constructing the new extension, which is expected to lift production from 3 million tonnes per annum to 6Mtpa of high-quality, low-sulphur thermal coal destined for the export market.

Obeid said the government approved the new extension in August after a commission of inquiry.

“The NSW government requires all mines to meet our strict environmental guidelines and we encourage a close working relationship between companies and local communities,” he said.

Dartbrook produced 3.411Mt of raw coal in the 12 months ended June 2001. For the first quarter of 2001-02 (to September 2001) the mine produced 919,304t.