Farmers in north western NSW are pushing for an underground coal mine to replace an existing open cut mine.

Boggabri Coal's plans to extend the life of its current mine by 21 years are being considered by the Department of Planning.

Farmers are worried the expansion will adversely affect local agriculture, push down property prices and drive people from the district.

Mr Peter Wilkinson the company's executive general manager said that another call for the mine's extension to be considered in the light of other local mining development isn't justified. He added that "I don't think it is. I think it's justified the potential cumulative impacts. "Certainly our project is already operating.

Mr Wilkinson said that "Maules Creek have their project out on public display, but I think each project needs to be looked on their merits but also at the same time the cumulative impacts are being considered."

(Sourced from www.abc.net.au)