In March 2012, the Stage 3 Modification to Project Approval 08_0111 was granted approval by the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure. 

The Stage 3 Modification enables more efficient and safer extraction of coal from the Stage 3 area principally by reorientation of the Stage 3 longwalls. This modification includes removal of original longwall A6, and extraction of coal in longwalls A7 to A19, which are a reorientation of previously approved longwalls A7 to A17 to more closely align with the direction of principal stress. In addition, the chain pillar widths will be increased from 45m to 55m to reduce roadway failure risks which in turn further minimises subsidence. The proposed Stage 3 Modification will remain entirely within CML2, ML1661 and ML1666 and involves a change to the Stage 3 mine plan only, with no proposed changes to underground mining method, total approved rate or quantity of extraction, or associated surface infrastructure. View the Stage 3 modification longwall layout.

In accordance with Section 75W of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, an Environmental Assessment (EA) was prepared to accompany the modification application. The EA assessed impacts of the modification in comparison to those predicted by the approved Stage 3 Project.

The EA indicates that the Stage 3 Modification will result in the reduction of mining risk and an increase in efficiency of longwall extraction associated with the Stage 3 Project.  Furthermore, no significant increase in environmental impact levels is predicted.