About 25 people met Mantle geologists on Parwan-Exford Road, where residents were shown the low-impact drill site, occupying a surface area of 10 square metres, and the 61mm-diameter coring rig.

Mantle's exploration manager for Moorabool, Callum Lamont, defended the company's record in consulting neighbours. He said Mantle had gone "above and beyond" what was required under law.

"Everybody impacted visually or on a noise basis, in any way, by the drilling has been contacted and informed." Mr Lamont said the first phase of exploratory drilling was under way at four sites in Parwan, Maddingley and Rowsley, with another 11 to be drilled in the next three months. He said geologists were testing the coal for moisture, sulphur, chlorine and burnability to determine if it was suitable for its intended coal-drying technique.

Mr Lamont said that if the coal was found to be unsuitable, Mantle would scrap its plans in Moorabool.

-Nick Toscano

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