Coal mining company NuCoal has announced it will cancel its planned exploration activities in the face of mounting opposition from New South Wales Government and a local landowner.

 

The company made the announcement after holding a meeting with State Resources Minister Christ Hartcher, saying it would no longer seek to conduct exploration on the area for the duration of the exploration license.

 

The decision comes after Mr Hartcher sent the company an email, detailing the ‘considerable public interest and concern’ over the proposed exploration.

 

The announcement comes after the State Government requested that the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) conduct an inquiry into the ongoing land dispute.

 

“The ICAC will investigate all relevant circumstances surrounding the granting of the License and report back to Parliament,” Mr Hartcher wrote in the email.

 

NuCoal also requested a trading halt on the ASX while the company seeks legal advice on the matter.