"I'm a miner and I come in peace".
These are the words of Gunnedah Resources managing director Brian Wingett, whose company has lodged three mining exploration licence applications with the Department of Mineral Resources covering the Gloucester Basin.
In an interview with the Gloucester Advocate last week during a visit to Gloucester, Mr Wingett said Gunnedah Resources wanted to have a good look at the region.
Mr Wingett said while exploration had previously occurred in the areas where Gunnedah Resources had applied for exploration licences, times and technology have changed since then.
"Significant exploration has been done by the predecessor to Gloucester Coal but it was done at a time when sophisticated exploration techniques were not available," he said.
Mr Wingett said it was Gunnedah Resources plan to use low intensity, low impact exploration to minimise damage to property or the environment.
He said among the techniques to be employed are high resolution aero-magnetic surveys by plane or helicopter, seismic studies and drilling.
Mr Wingett said of the three exploration licences lodged with the Department, the first two have been offered and accepted by Gunnedah Resources as they were regarded as satisfactory by the department.
He said unlike previous exploration licences granted it is now a requirement that a community consultative committee be established as part of the exploratory process with an independent chairman appointed by the Minister.
The committee will have three community representatives, one from the council, one from Gunnedah Resources and one from the department.
The committee will meet monthly and must be established within three months of the licences being granted.
"I see this as an absolutely splendid initiative of the government.
"Right up front everyone is informed from the beginning," he said.
The consultative process will continue through the life of the exploration licences which are granted for a three year period.
Mr Wingett said he was sensitive to community concerns about the licence applications and said he was very aware of the impact of mining both socially and economically.
He said he believed Gloucester Shire Council had no option but to lodge their concerns with the minister regarding the applications.
But Mr Wingett said he believes mining and the community can co-exist.
"I have an ambition that mining can co-exist with people and the environment and a regulatory framework exists to help achieve that," he said.
Mr Wingett said while one of the licence applications covered an area just kilometres from Gloucester people should not be alarmed.
"One cannot even contemplate mining so close to town, but it provides data on the structure of the basin," he said.
Mr Wingett said if people are concerned about the licences, particularly if their land is impacted by the applications they can contact Gunnedah Resources director of geology Dr Victor Tadros on ntadros@bigpond.net.au.
"We welcome any enquiry...give us a sketch of where their property is and succinct questions," he said.
"We want to keep people appraised of the process," Mr Wingett said.
Gunnedah Resources also has exploration licences lodged with the department in relation to land in the Gunnedah basin.
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