THE government has given BHP Billiton the green light to explore for coal in Wedderburn, near Campbeltown in NSW.
BHP subsidiary, Illawarra Coal, applied for an exploration licence from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in August 2008.
The proposal sparked concerns from residents regarding the environmental effects and impact to the community. Locals claim property values will plummet and adversely affect the quiet rural town.
BHP general manager of sustainable development, John Brannon, says the impacts will be managed by the Mine Subsidence Board (MSB) and further steps will be taken before the company begins mining the area.
BHP is also working to set up a community reference group to assist with the exploration process.
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