The NSW Minerals Council says the approval of Rio Tinto's Warkworth Mine modification will likely save the jobs of up to 1300 mining workers.
With more than 3000 jobs lost in the sector over the past year, the Minerals Council believes the go-ahead is a reminder of the need to generate jobs and investment.
However, Bulga residents insist the economic benefits reaped by the mining industry aren't worth the health complications which can be brought about by poor air-quality.
