Release and allocation of areas for coal exploration
The Mining Act 1992 places controls on the release of areas in NSW for coal exploration. Coal prospecting titles in NSW can only be allocated to private operators in one of three ways:
- Operational Allocation
An existing titleholder applies to explore for coal in areas adjacent to or above or below their existing operation for a specified purpose. - The Strategic Release Framework
The NSW Government identifies an area for potential exploration (coal or petroleum). The suitability of the area is assessed upfront and potential economic, environmental and social issues are assessed and community consultation occurs. If the area is found to be suitable, it is released by a public competitive selection process. - Competitive Allocation
Competitive Allocation applies when neither Operational Allocation nor the Strategic Release Framework are appropriate. It requires an area for potential coal exploration to be assessed upfront and if it is suitable, the area is released by a public competitive selection process. Competitive Allocation is a faster process than the Strategic Release Framework.