Coalmine expansion approved for Hunter region would cause almost 1bn tonnes of emissions

The expansion of the Mount Pleasant mine will double its output to 21m tonnes of coal a year and extend its life to 2048. Photograph: Jessica Hromas/The Guardian

The New South Wales Independent Planning Commission has approved a coalmine expansion in the state’s Upper Hunter region that would cause almost 1bn tonnes of carbon emissions.

The decision will allow MACH Energy to double the output of its Mount Pleasant mine in Muswellbrook to 21m tonnes a year and extend its life to 2048.