The mine, which originally opened in 1988 and operated until early 2003, produced more than 20.5 million tonnes of thermal coal for the domestic and export market.

“Directors of OGL Resources Limited advise shareholders that the renewal of the Ebenezer mining lease (ML4712) is in compliance with all relevant government application processes and procedures,” the company said in a statement.

“The company is continuing to make significant progress on the projects with the key stakeholders and infrastructure providers with the belief all the licences are in good order and will continue to fulfil its obligation under the sales and purchase agreement with Zedemar Holdings Pty Ltd.”

OGL confirmed that it received a copy of an application to the Supreme Court of Queensland by two individuals seeking orders pursuant to the Judicial Review Act 1991 to the effect that the decision made by the Governor‐in‐Council on the advice of the Minister for Employment, Skills and Mining on September 15, 2011 to renew ML4712 be set aside.

The first directions hearing is scheduled to take place on January 20.

The applicants stated in their application that, as residents of the wider area, they opposed mining because they did not want mining operations to recommence near their residences. Their concerns included possible noise disturbance.

Prominent businessman Graham Turner and local residents are also concerned that a mineral development licence to mine a further 9202ha of privately owned land, the Bremer View coal project, would destroy a koala habitat.

OGL Resources also has an option to acquire the Bremer View coal project (MDL172) which is not subject to any legal action.

OGL announced in October that it was aiming to secure haulage capacity for the mine, with preferred operator QR National submitting a conceptual operating plan to rail system owner Queensland Rail setting out plans to rail up to 600,000tpa coal for 15 years.