After years of contention between “coal and foal” the Drayton South project was laid to rest.

Then, on May 5, Malabar announced its agreement with Anglo American to acquire the Drayton mine and EL 5460, previously known as Drayton South.

Now, the miner, which owns the Spur Hill EL, is waiting to hear the NSW Government’s decision regarding the renewal – an outcome they believe will be revealed in the coming days.

Malabar believed that by mining underground only, concerns raised about previous proposals would be addressed.

Their hope is to explore the possibility of using existing infrastructure to mine underground only.

Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen said, should Malabar Coal be allowed to explore the possibility of an underground mine, they would need to ensure detailed community updates were forthcoming about the project and any progress.

“If this proposal was to proceed and be approved, I believe conceptually it would be an opportunity for further coexistence,” he said.

“Of course, it all depends on the detail of any application.

“There is strong support for mining in the Upper Hunter generally; however, the focus on individual projects can be intense.

“Our community wants to know the detail of mining projects.”

Malabar Coal chairman Wayne Seabrook said people were crying out for the jobs, investment and certainty that this proposal would bring to the area.  

“As the Government makes this important decision, it is critical that they understand the strong level of support in the local community for our underground-only proposal beneath this EL,” he said.

“It is our strong view that it is possible for Malabar’s underground proposal, which is completely different from past proposals for the site, to co-exist with other industries and land uses in the area, including local horse studs.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Planning and Environment said, as of October 3, no decision had been made.

“The Department of Planning and Environment has received a renewal application for exploration licence 5460.”