The suspension came as a surprise to the company last month after it was imposed by the NSW Office of Coal Seam Gas for an alleged failure to engage in community consultation.

Metgasco believed it had conducted a proper consultation and that the suspension was “without valid justification”

“The grounds for Metgasco’s claim are that the decision was unlawful because it was not authorised by legislation and was made without affording Metgasco procedural fairness,” the company said in a statement.

The unconventional explorer is investigating all its options, including whether it may be able to recover damages suffered as a result of the suspension, which at last count were marked up to around $21 million.

However, the company concedes that the potential to claim damages may not become clear until the result of the judicial review is known.

The OCSG also wrote to Metgasco advising that it had considered the company’s submission, made on May 15, regarding revoking the suspension and had decided against the request.