The life of the Mt Arthur coal mine has been extended to 2026 with permission for more explosives too.

Approval has been granted for an extension to extract an extra 128 million tonnes of coal from the Hunter Valley.

The total allowance for disturbance of the area has been increased by 260 hectares up to 6660 hectares, and the equipment fleet can now increase from 193 to 291 vehicles.

Blasting has been a major concern for nearby residents of Muswellbrook, who lodged 153 complaints between 2007 and 2010, and the miner was found to have breached conditions three times.

But the NSW Planning Assessment Commission has allowed take advantage of favourable weather conditions and do even more blasting.

Approvals have changed from 2 blasts per day and a maximum of 12 per week, to 3 per day with a maximum of 12 per week now averaged over 12 months.

Mt Arthur coal will inform the public of its blasting schedule through the Muswellbrook council online portal.