Glencore gains approval to extend Hunter Valley thermal coal operations in Australia

(Adds detail, quotes in paragraphs 2-4) SYDNEY, Sept 30 (Reuters) — Glencore said on Wednesday its Hunter Valley thermal coal project in Australia has gained approval for continued operations, after a state government deemed the environmental impact would be outweighed by the economic benefits. Dave Foster, the general manager of Glencore's Hunter Valley operations, said the approval marked a milestone for 1,500 mine workers employed at the site, as well as the regional economy. "Our deepest and most sincere thanks must go to our dedicated workforce, our local suppliers and the broader Hunter community," he said. New South Wales state's Independent Planning Commission said the impact of the project was "on balance, outweighed by its benefits to the Hunter region and NSW, including continued employment, economic activity, support for local business, ongoing royalties and taxation revenue." (Reporting by Alasdair Pal in Sydney; Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus) ((Alasdair.Pal@thomsonreuters.com; +61 291 717 228; Reuters Messaging: alasdair.pal.reuters.com@reuters.net)