NEC is currently in the process of commencing the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process to support the Mining Lease application. A number of surveys have already been completed in preparation for the EIS, including dry and wet season flora and fauna surveys, soil surveys and background noise surveys.

The land contained within the EPC has been substantially cleared and has been subject to cattle grazing for many years. No environmentally sensitive issues have been identified to date.

The required diversion of Horse Creek, which runs through the EPC and the resource, is likely to be the main focus of the environmental assessment. Horse Creek is an ephemeral creek which is part of the Taroom River catchment. Current mine planning includes the requirement for a diversion of the creek after a few years of mining.

Some small remnant areas of Brigalow vegetation exist within the Project area. NEC made application under the Commonwealth Government's Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act in relation to these remnant areas and received a decision declaring the mine a non-controlled action.