Kevin Anderson has made it "very clear" to the responsible minister and Deputy Premier, John Barilaro" that he wants the "zombie PELs" slain.

"I certainly don't want any coal seam gas in the Tamworth electorate, I want those PELs squashed," Mr Anderson said.

Mr Barilaro visited Tamworth on Friday, but was not available for comment in a brief press conference.

However, during a previous visit in November he indicated the issue would be addressed in a "future of gas statement" to be issued mid-way through this year.

He said the new gas statement would be similar to the June Strategic Statement on Coal Exploration and Mining, which mapped areas too sensitive for minerals exploitation.

The deputy premier implied last year that only some of the zombie PELs would be extinguished.

The historic licences to explore for gas - the first steps to developing a gas field - cover a vast area of the North West region, including parts of the Liverpool Plains, Gunnedah and more.

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Three companies have since made moves to reopen some of the PELs, including in the Tamworth electorate.

Carbon Minerals told the ASX in December it intended to conduct "exploration in relation to proposed seismic testing" at two Liverpool Plains sites, "in advance of renewed licenses for exploration".

The renewed interest came after gas giant Santos won state approval for their $3.6 billion Narrabri Gas Project last year.

Expired PELs cover an area of 56,000 kilometres, stretching from the Upper Hunter to the Queensland border. Some have been dormant for a decade without mining works.