Minewatch president Wendy Bowman said there were 36 coal mines and three power stations in the valley between Singleton and Muswellbrook, which could pose health risks to residents, the Daily Telegraph reported.
Bowman called for a ban on all new coal mines and extensions to existing mines until a study is conducted into the health impacts of mining in the region.
“We’ve been so worried in the Muswellbrook and Singleton shire area,” she said.
“We want to know what’s contained in our water and what is in our air.”
In February, New South Wales Minerals Council chief executive Dr Nikki Williams welcomed an independent inquiry into coal mining on the Central Coast.
“The industry recognises that mining activities can have some impacts.”
Williams said the industry was genuine in its commitment to address community concerns over the impact of mining.
