Coalmine expansion approved for Hunter region would cause almost 1bn tonnes of emissions

Future of Mount Pleasant project to be decided by federal environment and water minister, Tanya Plibersek, but activists say it is reckless' and should be rejected

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The New South Wales Independent Planning Commission has approved a coalmine expansion in the state's Upper Hunter region that would cause almost 1bn tonnes of carbon emissions.

The decision will allow MACH Energy to double the output of its Mount Pleasant mine in Muswellbrook to 21m tonnes a year and extend its life to 2048.

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