Ms BADGER – Minister, the contentious coalmine lease for the east coast – that is lease 4M/2012 –
Mr ABETZ – Is that the Cornwall one?
Ms BADGER – Yes, I believe so. Minister, that has been –
Mr SHELTON – Is that where Bob Brown was going to put his power station?
Ms BADGER – I wasn’t even born when this proposal happened. I’m not sure, to be honest. I am living in 2024. That has been listed for 14 months as pending renewal. I was just wondering, minister, if you could enlighten us on what’s stalling the decision on this matter and when we might expect one.
Mr ABETZ – As I understand it, the lease number you’re talking about is for HardRock Coal Mining Pty Ltd.
Ms BADGER – I am.
Mr ABETZ – Which has now called itself Hydrogen Ready Carbon Mining Pty Ltd, is investigating the potential for coal resources for mining lease ML4M/2012 and exploration licence EL16/2010, south of Fingal. The nature of the coal seams in this area means that mining would be from an underground operation. It’s currently pending renewal. It has been helpfully suggested that any further questions should be referred to this man here. If you’ve got further questions, I will defer to the Director of Mines.
Mr MORTON – Regarding that mining lease application, yes, the company applied for a renewal last year in accordance with the requirements of the act. The reason it has taken this length of time is that MRT has been seeking further information from the company. MRT has written to the company seeking any final information they wish to provide so we can finalise our position and move forward.
Ms BADGER – Thank you, so no set timeframe at the moment?
Mr MORTON – Shortly.
Ms BADGER – Shortly?
Mr MORTON – Yes.
Ms BADGER – Sure. Back to you, minister. The proponent of that coal mine wants to use the coal for hydrogen, as you said. The company has previously stated that it has been receiving support from the Rockliff government to find a site for the hydrogen plant component of the project. Can you please explain if the government has been providing any kind of advice or assistance to the company? I believe it also operates under Paladin Hydrogen.
Mr ABETZ – That, I think, would be in the ministerial area of Mr Duigan as the Minister for Energy and Renewables. With hydrogen production, I don’t have any ministerial oversight in this area.
