BHP-Billiton’s Hunter Valley Energy Coal lodged a modification seeking to extend the life of the mine by four years, to 2026, and to extract an additional 128 million tonnes of coal.

The Planning Assessment Commission’s modified conditions of consent include the requirement for Mt Arthur to participate in Muswellbrook Shire Council’s online blasting portal.

The Commission also wants Mt Arthur’s Blast and Noise Management Plans updated.

Under the approval, blasting will increases from two blasts per day to three blasts per day, with blasting commencing one hour earlier and finishing at 5pm.

Mt Arthur must make extra contributions for the upgrade of Thomas Mitchell Drive via a Voluntary Planning Agreement with Muswellbrook Shire Council, which is yet to be finalised.

Train movements will increase from 24 to 30 per day.

An estimated 40 people attended a public meeting in Muswellbrook in July this year to discuss the proposed modification.

Speakers raised concerns that existing noise, dust, blasting, road traffic and water quality impacts generated by the mine would be intensified if the modification was granted.

The PAC’s determination documents can be found at: http://www.pac.nsw.gov.au/Projects/tabid/77/ctl/viewreview/mid/462/pac/404/view/readonly/myctl/rev/Default.aspx