The expansion involves three mining areas where from coal will be mined on-site using existing facilities and the extracted coal will be transported to the Port of Newcastle for shipping overseas.
According to Yancoal Australia, with the approval, the company will be able to extract up to 21.5 million tonnes of Run of Mine (ROM)coal over 11 years.
The extension project also has the potential to create up to 250 new jobs in the local area.
Previously, residents belonging to Stratford raised concerns regarding the expansion saying that the mine was moving closer to homes. The company reportedly overstated economic benefits of the project.
The company is yet to get approval from the Commonwealth Department of the Environment.
NSWPAC said: "The Commission supports the project, as it allows for the rational and efficient extraction of a coal resource within an existing mine, and ensures the continuation of its strong association with the nearby Duralie mine."
