NSW to approve coalmine blocked by courts for polluting Sydney's drinking water

State energy minister Don Harwin says mine that supplies Lithgow's Mount Piper power station is 'vital for energy security and affordability'

The New South Wales government will introduce legislation to approve an underground coalmine that was blocked by the courts because it was polluting Sydney's drinking water.

On Monday the state's energy minister, Don Harwin, announced the government would overturn a decision by the NSW court of appeal to block the extension of the Springvale colliery.