The owner of a Hunter Valley coal lease has reacted bitterly to the bid to confiscate the asset, insisting it was repeatedly denied procedural fairness and may seek financial compensation, according to Australia’s ABC News. NuCoal was one of two companies, along with Cascade Coal, given until January 15 to show cause why they should not be stripped of licenses. That decision by Premier Barry O’Farrell followed a recommendation from the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). Gordon Galt, chairman of NuCoal, said the company had received limited opportunity to be heard and this recent refusal of an extension of time or specification of details is another denial of procedural fairness. ICAC said the license could be offered for sale again, possibly back to NuCoal, after it is confiscated.

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