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Workers urge minister to approve Springvale mine extension

Lithgow mineworkers are urging NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes to act quickly to finalise the approval process for the Springvale mine extension after the Planning Assessment Commission recommended it for approval.

CFMEU Mining and Energy Division NSW South Western District Vice President Graeme Osborne said it remained imperative that the final tick of approval be granted before 30 September.

“The Planning Assessment Commission’s recommendation is great news for our community, but we need the Planning Minister to approve the mine extension as soon as possible,” said Mr Osborne.

“At the moment, two thirds of the workforce at Springvale have been stood down and they are anxiously waiting for a final decision to be made about their futures.

“Every day that goes by is another day when people are not working and wondering whether they will be able pay next month’s rent or mortgage repayment.

“It’s imperative that we get the final tick of approval as soon as possible to give mineworkers and their families certainty that their jobs are safe.

“We’re still looking at a deadline of 30 September to gain State Government and Federal Government approvals, otherwise the mine may have to go into care and maintenance which would be a disaster.

“This is a tight timeframe and we urge the NSW Planning Minister to ensure the approvals process is completed as soon as possible this month.”

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