The department’s own inquiry into the blast on January 11 at Bulga Coal that emitted orange fumes into the immediate atmosphere found that the blast complied with requirements but have reminded the mine of the need to minimise fume in mine blasts.

According to a department spokesperson inquiries also found the weather was assessed prior to the blast and the wind direction and speed was considered suitable for a blast to be fired.

The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water is also investigating the incident and has instructed Xstrata Coal to submit a report on the blast.

Xstrata Coal communications manager James Rikards said mine management is trying to determine the exact details about why the fume occurred.

“Our priority is to keep the community informed on how we are looking to mitigate against fumes in the future,” Mr Rikards told The Argus.

At the Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network (UHAQMN) advisory committee meeting in November last year four more air quality monitoring sites were endorsed.

The locations are Camberwell, Maison Dieu, Bulga and Rixs Creek.

These will be PM10 monitors. The two PM2.5 monitors, which detect finer particles, part of the network are located in the centre of Singleton and Muswellbrook.

A DECCW spokesperson told The Singleton Argus the locations of the remaining eight sites will be discussed at meetings this year.

Resident Graeme Gibson said the response from both departments prompted him to request that departmental inspectors be required to be advised by coal mining companies prior to each shot being fired.

“And that those inspectors inspect the charge and either permit or refuse the detonation,” he said.

“And that if there is such a toxic plume occurring in the future, despite inspection, that the content of the plume will be analysed, the plume will be tracked, and the public warned of its content and its path.”

DoP has advised The Singleton Argus that they will continue to follow up with the mine operator on the trialing of new blast products.

The next meeting of the advisory committee is scheduled for February 4.