NSW Independent Planning Commission accused of acting as 'rubber stamp' as coalmine approved

Maxwell mine in Hunter region is fourth fossil fuel project to get the green light in five months

Environmentalists say they have lost faith in the ability of New South Wales authorities to assess controversial mining projects after the Independent Planning Commission approved another coalmine - the fourth fossil fuel project in the state to get the green light in five months.

The Maxwell underground coalmine, being developed by a subsidiary of Malabar Resources, is the latest to receive development consent after the commission determined on Tuesday that the risks of adverse impacts on the environment are low".