The extension of a coal mine in north-west New South Wales could lead to substantial increases in methane emissions and accelerate climate change, environmental advocates have argued.
The NSW Independent Planning Commission (IPC) is considering Whitehaven Coal's application to extend the life of its Narrabri underground mine by 13 years to 2044.
A public hearing into the project began today and heard evidence from the Department of Planning that the mine's fugitive emissions, which are generated when gases leak during mining, could increase significantly.
"The mine is considered to be a relatively gassy mine," executive director Clay Preshaw said.
Nic Clyde, the NSW community coordinator with the Lock the Gate Alliance, said in light of that the project would be out of step with stated policy goals of the NSW government to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Anatoli Smirnov from the European energy think-tank Ember said coal mine methane comprises the largest share of Australia's total emissions of methane, which is a far more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide in the short-term.
Mr Smirnov said the project would only exacerbate this.
Economic benefits disputed
Whitehaven Coal has argued its product is among the cleanest in the world, and in many cases is exported for use in high efficiency, low emissions power stations.
The company also said if the extension is approved, the mine would continue to support more than 500 jobs, and the region's business community is also optimistic about the benefits it could bring.
Justin Smith from the Narrabri Industrial Network said there are many companies which have benefited from the opportunities the coal industry has created in the region.
"The extension will only see these businesses grow and give the region a more diverse sustainability," Mr Smith said.
But Boggabri landholder Sally Hunter argued the approval of the extension would give "false hope" about the sustainability of the coal industry, and questioned why it was being considered nine years ahead of when it would come into effect.
Ms Hunter said there was "no justification" for the project to go before a public hearing where rights of appeal were restricted after a decision was made.
"We were so desperate for a better outcome for our region than these previous processes have delivered," Ms Hunter said.
The second and final hearing day will take place on Friday.
