I have concerns after reading yesterdays media release from the...

I have concerns after reading yesterdays media release from the QLD Government about the rejected Springsure Creek mining apoplication, that the project has been caught up in the squabble between the QLD & Federal Governments over the Alpha Coal Mine.

Hopefully my thoughts are wrong.


Minister for Natural Resources and Mines
The Honourable Andrew Cripps
Wednesday, June 06, 2012

Mine knockback shows Queensland's robust approval process

The Queensland Government has rejected an application for a mining lease on land in the Emerald district of Central Queensland.

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Andrew Cripps, said the Mining Registrar this week advised Bandanna Energy Ltd subsidiary, Springsure Creek Coal Pty Ltd, that its application did not comply with requirements specified in the State’s Mineral Resources Act 1989.

"This company's mining application did not meet Queensland's stringent State approval process and as such was rejected," Mr Cripps said.

“The application was incomplete on a number of grounds relating to the land parcels involved.

"Put simply this company's paperwork did not tick all the boxes required, and we had no hesitation in making that clear and sending them back to the drawing board."

Bandanna Energy has informed the Australian Stock Exchange it intends to submit a new application.

“The company is entitled to lodge a new application that addresses deficiencies identified in the original application, and it has indicated it plans to do this," he said.

“I stress that no decisions have been made by the Queensland Government about whether to grant approval for this project to proceed.”

“This week’s decision demonstrates the Newman Government’s commitment to a rigorous and transparent process for the assessment of all mining lease applications.

“All applications must meet strict requirements in relation to environmental and social impacts, native title, technical and commercial viability and public interest tests.

“Mining lease applications are also subject to a public consultation period and any objections are referred to the Land Court.”

Springsure Creek Coal holds a granted Exploration Permit for Coal over the land proposed for the underground coal mine development.

Following the rejection, the land involved reverts to that exploration permit pending a new mining lease application being submitted.

An exploration permit only allows approved exploration activities subject to prescribed conditions which include compliance with a project-specific environmental authority and the government’s Land Access Code of Conduct.