“Truck movements have continued to be in line with the conditions stipulated by the Department of Planning and Environment,” a statement from the company said.

“Truck numbers relate to laden trucks leaving the site each hour and does not include empty trucks returning to the site nor does it include other heavy vehicle movements not belonging to Wollongong Coal’s operations.”

The Illawarra Residents for Responsible Mining group had said the truck rate of 14 departures per hour was similar to what it would be like if the miner got permission to boost production to 3 million tonnes of coal per year.

But the miner said it was close to what had been experience “at periodic intervals” while the mine was operating.

“The locality where the colliery has been situated for decades is designated an industrial zone by the local authorities and as such it is reasonable to expect such activity taking place on a regular basis,” the company said.

Trucks are limited to operating between 7am and 5pm on weekdays, with no more than 134 laden trucks departing per day.