The acquisition includes 10 coal licence applications covering a total of 13,787 hectares. It provides Kuro with a substantial consolidated footprint totalling 33,012ha in the Panorama coalfield west of Atrum’s Groundhog project. The licences are expected to host high-grade anthracite, executive director Russell Moran said.

“Kuro has increased its exploration foot-print in the Panorama area,” he said.

“We are planning a maiden exploration program which can commence once regulatory approvals are received.”

Last month Kuro secured an additional 13 coal licences in the Panorama area, just 20km west of Groundhog.