Northern Inland Council for the Environment’s failed attempt to secure an injunction against Maules Creek was seen as a positive result by Whitehaven managing director and CEO Paul Flynn.

He said the project went through one of the most rigorous planning approval processes at state and federal levels ever undertaken by a mine in New South Wales.

“Coal production remains on target for the first quarter of calendar year 2015,” Flynn added.

Queensland explorer Guildford has not lost a board member, despite the recent resignation of non-executive director Mike Chester.

Guildford said chartered accountant Gary Humphrys, appointed as Chester’s alternate in April, would succeed Chester – effective immediately.

Perth-based Gulf Mines yesterday revealed a new strategy of developing coking coal and copper projects in Indonesia.

“Gulf advises it is in early stage discussions to develop a coal project in West Kalimantan in joint venture with a local Indonesian group,” it said.

The company has raised $A650,000 through a recent share placement in preparation for its Indonesian strategy.

Gulf is a shareholder of Asia Minerals Corporation and expects it to be an easy customer as part of AMC’s plans to develop coal-fired power for an alloy smelter of its high-grade Indonesian manganese project.

Meanwhile, Palace Resources has signed a memorandum of understanding with its Indonesian partner, RBU, over the building a coal-upgrading plant, with Palace expecting to earn an initial 30% stake of the final JV company.

They plan to build a pilot plant first to define the “carbon raising”, coal-upgrading process they will use.

Feasibility documents are being prepared, with more details to be announced down the track.