Overlapping tenures for coal and coal seam gas

Under the Mineral and Energy Resources (Common Provisions) Act 2014 (MERCP Act), additional requirements apply when resource authorities for coal and coal seam gas (CSG) overlap.

The requirements are aimed at facilitating cooperation between the 2 industries and maximising the safe and optimal extraction of resources.

The requirements apply to holders of the following resource authorities where there is an overlapping area between coal and CSG authorities:

• exploration permits for coal
• mineral development licences for coal
• mining leases for coal
• authorities to prospect for CSG
• petroleum leases for CSG.

Note: Overlapping tenure provisions contained in the Mineral Resources Act 1989 and the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004 continue to apply to some overlapping coal and CSG tenures.