This stage two project – which includes the development of an additional open cut pit – when up and running in tandem with the stage one, will produce up to 17 million tonnes of run of mine coal every year for the next 24 years.

Not only will it extend the life of the mine, but also add up to 120 new full time jobs, where 300 people are already employed at the mine near Ulan in NSW.

Last year, 6.4Mt of saleable coal was produced, slightly up on the figure for 2013.