The Minister for Energy and Mineral Resources has issued new mining guidelines to facilitate mineral and coal conservation (the Guidelines)*. The new Guidelines state that in order to expand mining areas, applicants must already hold the relevant mining license and must submit an application that meets a number of criteria including a maximum limit on the area to be mined. Various other criteria
will be considered including coal seam continuity or mineral deposit characteristics.

Any applicants that have applied for expansion permits prior to the enactment of the Guidelines, must reapply in accordance with the Guidelines.

*Decree of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Number 266.K/MB.01/MEM.B/2022