The Hon Chris Hartcher

Minister for Resources and Energy

Special Minister of State

Minister for the Central Coast

MEDIA RELEASE

Thursday 1 December 2011

 

Minister for Resources and Energy, Chris Hartcher has written to NuCoal asking them to suspend activities at their Doyle’s Creek site pending investigation by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

 

Coal Exploration Licence 7270 was granted to Doyle’s Creek Mining Pty Ltd on 15 December 2008. Doyle’s Creek Mining has since been purchased by NuCoal.

 

The award of the coal exploration licence by former Mineral Resources Minister, Ian Macdonald was formally referred to ICAC last week by a resolution of NSW Parliament following an independent review finding that there had been “a circumstantial case of wrongdoing and a breach of public trust.”

 

“There is considerable interest and concern in the community related to the granting of the Licence and the company’s exploration activities,” Mr Hartcher said. “In view of these concerns, and in view of the ICAC investigation currently underway, I have invited NuCoal to consider suspending all exploration activity pending the findings and recommendation of ICAC.”