The licences cover applications for a total of 18,375 hectares in the Panorama area.

The ground is adjacent to the two coal licences of 850 hectares that are already subject to a proposed joint venture between Atrum and Kuro Coal.

It is expected the tenure will fall under the proposed JV arrangement, which is likely to include a retained equity interest for Atrum in the Panorama project, a co-marketing arrangement and an infrastructure participation arrangement between the two participants.

A notice of work and licence conversion application has already been initiated for the 13 licences, with drilling to begin shortly after Kuro receives the funding to go ahead.

"Kuro has secured a dominant exploration footprint at Panorama,” Atrum executive director Russell Moran said.

“We are hopeful that a maiden exploration program this year will deliver new value opportunities for both Kuro and Atrum.”