Obeid said the Wilpinjong area, 40km north-east of Mudgee has been surveyed over a number of years with a $50,000 NSW Government aerial survey carried out in 2000.
“The Wilpinjong area is currently held under an exploration title by the NSW Department of Mineral Resources, which has carried out exploration drilling in the area to define the coal resource,” Obeid said.
“This exploration indicates there may be sufficient domestic quality steaming coal present for a viable mining operation.”
He said interested exploration companies can find out more about the tender process through advertisements in a number of newspapers.
“Electricity production is an important regional industry which supports local jobs and sourcing future supplies is a vital part of this process. That’s why the NSW Government is acting now to ensure long term coal supplies for NSW electricity generators.”
The process of calling for tenders for Government held titles is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to ensure the State’s mineral resources are explored and developed. Tenders close on April 17, 2003.
