However, after an activist chained himself to the top of a rig at the Parwan-Exford Road site last week, the company says it will not disclose the locations of drill sites on private property "out of concern that activists may harass landowners".

Mantle's exploration manager for Moorabool, Callum Lamont, said drilling had begun at a new site in Moorabool, the first on private land.

He said the company would protect the privacy of the landowner.

"I'm loathe to mention landowners now, but we do have very good relationships with the people whose land we intend to work on."

The caution comes after environmental activist Shaun Murray, of the Switch Off Coal group, delayed a day of drilling on September 19 when he chained himself to a rig for five hours before being cut down and told by police to move on.

Mr Lamont said the miners were unfazed by the protest, using the opportunity to "catch up on paperwork", but he criticised Mr Murray for "jeopardising workplace safety".

Mr Murray said his protest was "just the beginning" of a public campaign against the project.

"There's definitely potential for the community to mobilise and significantly set the drilling back, so we intend to start working more closely with residents."

Moorabool Environment Group secretary Deb Porter said campaigners from the area would likely take on quieter ways to protest against the coal exploration.

"At the request of the community, we're preparing a flyer to be mailed out, explaining some of the issues about Mantle's project and providing a list of ministers to write to or call so residents can voice their concerns," she said.

A 124-signature petition was presented to State Parliament last week, calling for the government to halt Mantle's exploratory drilling program.

Mr Lamont called the escalating community concerns "premature" because Mantle had not yet determined if the coal in the area meets its needs.

He stressed that the project was simply scientific testing of coal samples.

"It's hard to say 'don't be concerned', but there's no need to be at the moment.

"Those affected by drilling are being spoken to directly and then we'll certainly be letting people know what the results of the coal tests are when they come in, to see if they are suitable for us and whether or not we'll continue in Moorabool."

Mr Lamont said the exploratory drilling would also bolster residents' understanding of the area's geology, water flow and subsurface structures, which could benefit farmers.