WHITEHAVEN Coal is seeking to expand its already extensive mining operations in the Gunnedah Basin.
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The company has lodged an application with NSW Trade and Investment for an exploration licence covering 936 hectares.
The target site is about seven kilometres west of Gunnedah and includes Pyramid Hill, road reserves at Barlow Ln and private property.
“This is the first time an exploration permit has been issued over the area,” a Whitehaven Coal spokesman told the Namoi Valley Independent.
“Coal is known to exist in the area from an observed outcrop on Pyramid Hill and water bore drilling.”
The department’s website says ground exploration cannot be conducted until an application is granted and access agreements are reached with landholders.
“Initial work may involve a visit by a geologist or technical officer to walk the area and undertake geological mapping of rock outcrops,” the website says.
“If resources are indicated, the next phase of exploration may involve drilling activ-ities usually using truck-mounted drill rigs. There is generally only a minimal area of disturbance, if any, to allow for the preparation of a safe drill site.
“All disturbed areas must be fully rehabilitated to strict environmental standards.”
Whitehaven Coal already runs an underground mine at Narrabri, as well as its Werris Creek, Tarrawonga and Rocglen open-cut operations.
Its controversial Maules Creek mine is set to begin production in January, while it recently received approval to restart the mothballed Vickery project outside of Gunnedah.