The Miners' Union is calling on the NSW Government to back the revised Tahmoor South mine extension plan put forward by Simec's Tahmoor Coal.
The new plan responds to community feedback and guarantees good local jobs as the state deals with the economic fallout from COVID-19.
CFMEU Mining and Energy South Western Vice-President Bob Timbs says the project is vital for securing a strong future for the local community.
"The Tahmoor South mine extension will secure the 400 direct jobs at Tahmoor Coal for another 10 years until 2032, and hundreds of other jobs in the local community," says Mr Timbs.
"The extension will also create over 170 new jobs during the two-year construction phase.
"With the economic effects of COVID-19 playing havoc with the state's economy the NSW Government should approve this project to safeguard jobs and boost the recovery.
"Tahmoor Coal has bent over backwards to meet community concerns and meet stringent environmental requirements. Their new plan reduces the longwall footprint and includes greater protections for native vegetation and water resources.
"There is strong community support for this project as it will inject millions into the local economy.
"Mining has successfully coexisted with southern coalfield communities for well over a century and it should continue to do so into the future.
"The Union strongly supports the Tahmoor South extension and we are calling on the Government to support it too."
