Environmental activists warn the expansion of Russell Vale mine could threaten Sydney's drinking water.
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The Australian Conservation Foundation protested that the Wollongong Coal's expansion could harm a nearby water catchment.
"If Wollongong Coal gets the go-ahead to expand its Russell Vale mine, the result could be significant damage to Sydney's drinking water catchment," the foundation said.
The group is joined by residents lobbying Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt to intervene.
"Wollongong Coal proposes to mine within one of the Special Areas of the Sydney Water Catchment, even though NSW Minister for Resources and Energy Anthony Roberts has recognised these areas as very sensitive and important for safe drinking water supply," said ACF campaigner Basha Stasak.
"It makes no sense that a bushwalker caught wandering within a Special Area can be fined up to $44,000 but a coal company may be allowed to mine there.
"ACF is worried Wollongong Coal's plans to extend its mine to within a few hundred metres of the Cataract Dam will recklessly risk damaging Sydney's water supply, the health of Russell Vale residents and the habitat of endangered species," Ms Stasak said.
Wollongong Coal's bid to expand the coal mine stalled last month after the Planning Assessment Commission found the plan required "more work and assessment" before it could be approved.
According to the commission, the plan simply did not, at this stage, have "sufficient information or confidence" to determine its merits.
Wollongong Coal is expected to slash 41 jobs from the Russell Vale colliery, citing the inability to extend its operations as the reason for the job losses.