The explorer said it was advised that the project’s environmental impact statement was allowed to proceed.
“EHP now has 30 business days to prepare its EIS assessment report,” Bandanna said.
“Bandanna remains confident of an approval of the EIS given the substantial commitments the company has made towards coexistence of mining and agriculture, in recognition of the Queensland government’s policy direction to better maintain productivity of prime agricultural lands.
“Bandanna has proposed those standards in agreement with the government despite those standards not currently being in statutory force.”
Separately the explorer has executed an option agreement to acquire a “strategically significant” parcel of land in the project area, pending approval from the Central Highlands Regional Council.
“The company has also made substantial progress with landowners in relation to further land acquisition and compensation arrangements for land within the minesite mining lease area as well for the infrastructure corridor.”
A cultural heritage management plan was also finalised with the indigenous Bidjara people.
“The CHMP provides a framework for Bandanna Energy and the Bidjara people to work together to identify and manage cultural heritage while facilitating the development of the infrastructure corridor,” Bandanna said.
The explorer is expecting to receive all regulatory approvals to start construction of its Springsure Creek project in the September quarter of 2014.
First development coal is forecast for mid-2015.
The project will export through the Wiggins Island coal export terminal, which is expected to start shipping in April 2015.
The thermal coal project is initially targeting 5.5 million tonnes per annum of capacity.
First longwall coal is expected in the second half of 2016.
If the expansion to double output goes ahead, first coal from the second longwall is expected in 2020.
Discussions with potential joint venture partners are continuing, with Korea Midlands Power recently signing a non-binding heads of agreement with Bandanna.
