Apex Energy has applied for more time to drill 16 coal seam gas boreholes in the Illawarra.
Apex Energy's approval to drill 16 exploratory wells around Helensburgh, Darkes Forest and Maddens Plains expires next month.
The company has applied for a new expiry date - three years after the commencement of the first bore hole, with no date specified for when drilling must begin.
Apex says the project has been delayed by several factors, including a complicated approval process, strong community opposition to coal seam gas and the NSW government's eagerness to allay concerns by introducing new regulations.
The exploration project suffered another setback earlier this year when Apex let one of its exploration licences lapse.
Without it, drilling cannot begin and the company is now competing for exploration rights with the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council.
ABC News
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