NSW coalmine given two-year extension despite climate agency warning it jeopardises legislated emissions target

The Vales Point power station, operated by Delta Electricity in the Lake Macquarie region of NSW, pictured in 2005. The coalmine has been extended for two years in spite of climate experts’ warnings. Photograph: Fairfax Media/Getty Images

An underground coalmine has been given the green light to dig for a further two years, with the New South Wales planning commission arguing it’s needed to guarantee electricity supply as the state transitions to renewables.

The NSW Greens have warned the move could be challenged in court after the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) gave the green light to Delta Electricity’s extension of its Chain Valley colliery operations, in the Lake Macquarie region, for two years.