Invitation from Minister for Mineral Resources to apply for a Coal Exploration Licence (EL)

EL Application (ELA) lodged, processed and determined.

Local Community advised of proposed grant of ELA
(Newspaper notification)

Grant of EL with environmental conditions and security bond

Exploration, Environmental and Feasibility investigations begins

[Community and landholder consultation commences (ongoing)]
(may possible involve the formation of a Community Consultative Committee)

Mineable resource defined and concept mine plans developed

Presentation of Conceptual Project Development Plan to I&I NSW- Minerals

On acceptance of mine concept, Department of Planning (DoP) notified.

Inter Agency Planning Focus Meeting (PFM) organised by DoP

Lodgement of Major Project Application with DoP
(Lodgement of Mining Lease Application (MLA with I&I NSW) ^#1

Environmental Assessment (EA) Requirements Issued
(Director-General’s Requirements)

EA Studies and Preparation of EA

Draft EA lodged for adequacy test (with key Govt. Agencies)

Public exhibition of EA and submissions invited (> 5 wks)

Assessment of EA and submissions by DoP

Minister for Planning may appoint PAC (Planning Advisory Committee) to advise on certain key issues

Minister for Planning determines application

Grant of Development Approval with conditions

Minister for Mineral Resources grants a Mining Lease (ML) ^#2
(with security and conditions)

Preparation and submission of Mining Operations Plan (MOP) to I&I NSW
(Condition of ML)

Security Bond reassessed from the MOP
(additional security lodged)

Approvals and Licences obtained form other NSW Government agencies
(Secured through the Part 3A process of the EP&A Act 1979)

Access Agreements/ Arrangements with Landowners

Commencement of Mining Operations

Notes:

^#1 MLA may be lodged at any time (its processing undertaken in parallel with the approvals process).

^#2 An ML can only be granted when there is a valid development approval (consent).