coal companies defend exploration leases

Coal companies defend exploration leases
Story Added : 04th March 2011 Source www.efarming.com.au

"The companies awarded two controversial Hunter Valley coal mine exploration leases say they were awarded properly amid speculation of a government audit after the state election.

Nucoal Resources and Cascade Coal have both made statements to the stock exchange after being named as possible targets for scrutiny under a Liberal-National State Government.

Nucoal referred to the findings of an independent probity review over former Minister, Ian Macdonald's direct awarding of the Doyles Creek lease at Jerrys Plains to the company.

Cascade says the Mount Penny lease near Bylong was the result of a competitive tender process.

Despite community opposition both companies say they intend to progress to a mining lease.

Nucoal says it has started a comprehensive hydro-geological study of local water sources which could satisfy the Coalition's mining policy, while Cascade intends to follow all legal processes to be allowed to mine."