The company revealed it received a total of 49 separate EIS submissions on April 10, 2013, a significant proportion of which were from government agencies.

“Bandanna Energy is currently preparing a supplementary report to respond to these submissions and recommended actions by the end of May,” the company said.

The draft EIS for the Springsure Creek project, addressing the mine component of the project, was submitted to the Queensland government for review in November 2012 and was approved for release and public review on February 14, 2013.

The EIS remained open for public comment until March 27, 2013.

“The EIS process is a critically important stage in the approvals process for the Springsure Creek mine project and during the EIS period, representatives of Bandanna Energy engaged with key stakeholders and the broader community to provide information and discuss environmental management opportunities,” the company said.

If approved, the project will create approximately 585 direct jobs in the region and 1500 indirect jobs, as well as paying $3 billion in royalties which will fund services in the local area and region, according to Bandanna.

Following completion of the EIS, Bandanna is focused on seeking granting of the mining lease and the environmental authority by the end of 2013.

Other approvals, such as for the infrastructure corridor, are being sought separately.

“Bandanna Energy continued discussions during the quarter with potential joint venture parties in relation to a strategic investment in the Springsure Creek coal project,” it said.

“The company has been in ongoing discussions with a shortlist of interested parties in relation to both offtake and equity investment in the project.”