New coal land released in Bowen Basin

The Newman Government is calling for tenders to explore for coal in the resource-rich Bowen Basin of central Queensland.

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Andrew Cripps announced the first ever non-cash tender for coal exploration at the Mining 2013 Convention in Brisbane.

“The seven areas of land being made available for coal exploration by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines collectively cover more than 1,292 square kilometres in the northern Bowen Basin,” Mr Cripps said.

“The Newman Government understands that a vibrant exploration sector is critical to uncovering the mineral deposits and mines of the future, and non-cash tender processes offer the opportunity for junior explorers to make their mark.

“This new framework for coal exploration permits allows for the assessment and comparison of potential tenderers, ensuring land is allocated to those most able and committed to effectively explore for potential resources.

“DNRM officers will assess applications for this land based on the competitiveness of the ‘work programs’ submitted by explorers, but there will be no requirement for cash bids to be made.

“Work programs establish how and when an exploration company plans to carry out its activities to ensure the timely discovery of a prospective deposit.

“Applicants will be assessed according to their proposed work program and the associated technical and financial capability to meet that work program.”

Mr Cripps said this tender represents the first land release for coal competitive tendering since policy and legislative changes allowed for exploration permits to be allocated via tender as opposed to ‘over-the-counter’ application. 

“It is crucial that the Queensland Government ensures the best stewardship of the State’s resources into the future,” he said.

“Tenders of this type support the next wave of exploration discovery and ensure that investment practices in exploration activities promote the long-term prosperity of Queensland and our resource industries.”

Interested parties have until 2.30pm on Wednesday, 5 March 2014 to lodge their tender applications.

More information about the tender is available at: www.mines.industry.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] 24 October 2013

Media contact: Jane Paterson 0417 281 754