Wambo Coal has been granted an exploration licence to establish the potential for coal reserves north west of its current operations, south of the township of Jerry’s Plains.  An exploration licence is a title granted by the NSW Government to companies who wish to explore for minerals. It does not permit mining, nor does it automatically follow that a licence holder will be permitted to mine in the future even if a discovery is made.

The Licence, granted on 29 September 2008 comprises some 967 hectares and is valid for three years.

Where access is required for drilling and other exploration activities, Wambo will negotiate individual access agreements with landholders.  These agreements will recognise both the landholders’ and Wambo Coal’s  rights and obligations.

Exploration activities may include drilling, structural mapping, magnetic surveys and seismic surveys.  Wambo Coal will consult with individual landholders to identify the most appropriate locations for any proposed boreholes.

Peabody has undertaken not to carry out drilling activities within sensitive areas on the outskirts of Jerrys Plains such as the convict pit, cemetery, community hall and historic residences.  The Town Centre of Jerrys Plains is not included within the Exploration Licence Area.

The exploration will determine what coal resource exists and once this information has been obtained Wambo Coal will undertake further feasibility studies to determine the viability of establishing a mining operation. Wambo Coal has made an undertaking to keep residents and landholders informed as information becomes available.

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