The Planning Assessment Commission approval is subject to the implementation of appropriate regional management frameworks and mine-specific management plans and conditions.

The conditional approval is good news for Aston and Whitehaven Coal, which are proposing a $5.1 billion merger. Maules Creek – along with Whitehaven’s Narrabri longwall mine – will be key projects in the merged entity which would also include Nathan Tinkler’s private company Boardwalk Resources.

“In short the commission recommends that with an appropriate regional management framework and mine-specific management plans and conditions in place, the impacts of the project can be adequately minimised and managed,” the commission said in its report.

“Consequently, subject to detailed assessment by the Department of Planning and Infrastructure, the commission considers the project could be approved subject to stringent conditions.”

Aston interim chief executive Peter Kane confirmed the company’s commitment to environmentally responsible conduct of its operations.

“Aston is confident that it can address the requirements of the review report,” he said.

Aston is reviewing the report and will prepare a submission to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure in relation to the proposed consent conditions, he said.