It is reported that exploration and mining development has exploded to such an extent that Queensland is almost entirely covered by some sort of lease.
The Courier Mail reported that farmers are now pitted against global corporations as exploration for coal and minerals alone has jumped by about 1000% in five years and now covers about a quarter of the state. Added to that is the massive investment in coal seam gas and the expectation of about 40,000 wells.
More than USD 1 billion has been spent on minerals, oil and gas exploration in Queensland in the past year alone but despite the huge economic benefits the farming community now thinks mining has gone too far too fast and the Government is at least 18 months to two years behind in its regulation.
Mr Dan Gallagher Queensland Farmers Federation said "People are encouraged to get out there and go for it. The rate of exploration is outstripping the Government ability to approve it. But He said while the industry did not want a moratorium on new mining development it did want approvals to slow down.”
The increase in exploration omits applications not yet granted for exploration, existing mining developments and coal seam gas and traditional petroleum.
There are 2449 granted exploration permits for mineral and coal resources a 70% increase in number while the percentage of land they cover has grown from 2% of the state to 23.5%. Very few exploration permits ever result in a commercial mining project.
The farming community is encouraged by some moves from the State Government to restrict mining land grab which includes a buffer zone around urban areas and its strategic cropping land policy, however that relates to only a fraction of the state farming land.
(Sourced from www.news.com.au)
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