NSW Minerals Council defends use of 'rigorous' mining modifications process

Mount Owen coal mine at Singleton where Glencore has plans to expand via a modifications application to the NSW Department of Planning which would result in an additional 2.7 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. Picture by Jonathan Carroll.

THE assessment process for proposed coal mine modifications is "extremely rigorous and onerous", involving multiple departments and agencies, says the NSW Minerals Council.

Large mining companies have come under fire, accused of seeking expansions under the guise of "modifications" to dodge the more detailed scrutiny of the Independent Planning Commission.