As the NTSF dried out, plumes of dust were regularly seen being lifted off the expansive surface.

So concerned were nearby residents and landowners that they formed the Cadia District Protection Group to work with CVO to develop a solution to the ongoing problem.

That relationship has borne fruit with the company given the green light to expand its operation, as long as it addresses the dust issues.

A delegate for the NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes approved Modification 14 to the Cadia East Project which will allow the gold mine to increase its processing rate from 32 million tonnes per annum to 35 million tonnes per annum.

Modification 14 also permits CVO to repair its north tailings dam wall, begin works on another tailings storage and construct a sodium hydrosulphide solutioning plant.

Within the report the DPIE acknowledge in its approval that during the reconstruction of the dam wall dust creation could increase by up to 22 per cent, a situation that the secretary of the CDPG Gem Green said is a means towards an end.

"From the department's long-term point of view the repair of the tailings dam will benefit everyone," she said. "They're thinking of a short-term increase for long-term gain by turning it back into what it was, a dam with water over it and no dust."

What pleases Ms Green is the requirement of independent air quality audits as part of the approval. Something that the CDPG had been requesting during talks with the DPIE.

"It really is quite stringent," she said. "Those tests are being organised and we're working with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation at Lucas Heights to have them commence in the third week of January."

Those tests will be crucial for the planned increase in production.

"Cadia can only commence increasing their production on the condition that an air quality audit report satisfies the secretary of the DPIE," Ms Green said.

In a statement to the Blayney Chronicle, Cadia's manager Aaron Brannigan said that during the consultation process for this modification, there were some community concerns raised.

"We remain committed to working closely with the Cadia District Protection Group, and the entire community, to resolve these concerns and ensure that the positive working relationship Cadia enjoys with its community endures," the statement read.

"Cadia is committed to maintaining ongoing dust management practices and developing a revised air quality monitoring program in consultation with local stakeholders.

"We also commit to the prompt implementation of repair works and providing regular updates to the community.

"We acknowledge that the outcome of this modification is an opportunity for us to do better.

"We hold the opinions of the local community in highest regard and will continue to draw on their feedback as we work collaboratively many years to come."

HAVE YOUR SAY:

Send us your thoughts with a letter to the editor: