Chris Minns meets workers at the state's largest coal mining project

NSW Premier Chris Minns has visited Hunter Valley Operations near Singleton in a show of government support for the mine's massive extension project.

The Independent Planning Commission (IPC) approved the HVO extension, which will allow mining to continue until the mid-2040s, last week.

It will extend the operational life of the north and south coal pits from 2027 until 2045 and 2042, respectively.

The approval, which secures the jobs of about 1500 workers, is also considered critical to the government's chances of retaining the seat of Cessnock in next year's state election.

HVO general manager Dave Foster said he was grateful for the government's support.

"We're delighted to welcome Premier Minns to HVO and gratefully acknowledge his comments about the important economic contribution our site makes to the Hunter," he said.

"The recent NSW IPC state approval for HVO brings us one step closer to security for 1500 workers and their families. Once again - huge thanks must go to our workers, suppliers and the Hunter community for their support."

HVO must gain federal government approval before the project proceeds.

The IPC approval comes with a requirement for HVO to take steps to limit coal exports to jurisdictions that have policies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement, maximise the use of renewable energy at the mine and purchase additional carbon offsets.

The commission also imposed conditions requiring a comprehensive closure management plan to be prepared within one year, implemented and reviewed every three years.

The Hunter Jobs Alliance said approval and the associated conditions should be a wake-up call for mining companies and state and federal governments about the need to properly plan for coal workers and communities.

"The IPC has confirmed what HJA has been saying for years - you cannot wait until a coal mine is closing to start planning for its workers and community," Hunter Jobs Alliance coordinator Justin Page said.

The Australia Institute, together with the Australian Conservation Foundation, published a full-page apology to Pacific Island nations in the Fiji Times following the HVO extension approval.

"To our Pacific Island neighbours: We're sorry. Australia knows that a new coal mine threatens your future. But last week we approved a huge new coal mine expansion anyway," the ad said.

Australia Institute director Noah Schultz-Byard said Australia was a "terrible neighbour to its Pacific family."

"Australian leaders fly around the world making all sorts of bold statements about meaningful climate action, then they return home and approve new coal and gas projects," he said.

"For nations like Kiribati, Fiji, Vanuatu, Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands, the climate crisis is real and it's happening now. It is not some distant dystopian prediction."