Project director Greig Duncan said this is a significant milestone as the Hume Coal project advances through the approval process.

“The recent submission of the MLA is another step forward for Hume Coal as our staff and consultants work determinedly preparing the Environmental Impact Statement for release later this year,” he said.

The low-impact mining operation will utilise industry-leading technologies, making this operation one of the country’s most innovative mining operations, ensuring the project delivers social, economic and environmental sustainability.

“We will continue to communicate and consult with the community as the Hume Coal Project progresses through the approvals process.”

Earlier this month the Land and Environment Court of NSW has upheld an appeal which will block land access for Hume Coal to explore for coal in the Southern Highlands of the state based on Section 31 of the Mining Act 1992.

Justice Preston ruled that fields with crops or equestrian facilities were the product of labour and could therefore be regarded as “significant improvements”

“I find that the Commissioner did err on a question of law in deciding that paddocks with improved pastures or lucerne can never be significant improvements,” he said in the ruling.

Hume Coal, which is 100% owned by Korean steel giant POSCO, has already been exploring for coal since 2011 and during this time it has drilled 139 boreholes, with all drilling sites being rehabilitated to their original condition or converted to a groundwater monitoring asset, Duncan said.