Denham Coal, Queensland Coal Investments, Enex Togara and Wandoan Holdings have received mineral and coal tenders in the North West Minerals Province, as well as the Bowen and Surat basins in Australia.
The latest mineral and coal tenders came on the back of 223Mt of coal exports last year in Queensland.
A new geological report also revealed that Queensland has 63 billion tonnes (Bt) of raw coal in-situ, which represents an increase of around 29Bt on the previous estimate.
Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said: “Exploration is essential for Queensland to keep up with the world’s thirst for tech minerals and our own manufacturing sector’s ongoing need for high-quality base metals.
“New coal deposits offer energy security and a long-term economic future for all Queenslanders.”
Pioneer Coal’s wholly owned subsidiary Denham Coal, Queensland Coal Investments, Enex Togara and Wandoan Holdings will start exploratory work over 369km² of land in the Bowen and Surat basins.
Red Metal will also be able to explore new zinc, lead, copper and silver deposits across 400km² of land located 250km north of Mount Isa.
Prior to securing exploration permits, the companies are required to negotiate land access agreements and fulfil all existing environmental and Native Title requirements.
These mineral and coal tenders complete the Queensland government’s 2017-18 Annual Exploration Program released in October 2017.
Released last June, the latest Queensland Exploration Program (QEP) earmarks more than 44,000km² of land for exploration.
