The modifications involve the incorporation of the open cut and underground operations of the three coal mine locations at Ravensworth West, Narama and Cumnock No 1 Colliery as well as the surface facilities associated with the Ravensworth underground mine.

The open cut mine south west of the existing mine operation will be extended to allow for the extraction of up to 16 million tonnes of coal a year for up to 29 years.

The transport by rail of coking coal to export markets has been approved by the DoP with thermal coal to be transported by overland conveyor to Macquarie Generation for domestic power use.

An air quality assessment was carried out by consultants PAE Holmes to predict the impact on air quality and dust in the immediate area as a result of the proposed mine modifications.

The report is based on existing and historical data collected from twelve Camberwell village residences and predicts how air quality will be effected based on current and proposed mine operations over the period 2007 to 2021.

Further details of the Ravensworth operations project including the air quality assessment report can be found at the Department of Planning website http://majorprojects.planning.nsw .gov.au.