But the residents' anti mine campaign group Australian Coal Alliance are now pushing for premier Barry O'Farrell to instigate a change in legislation to block all mining applications in the water catchment area.

The first Kores application was refused under Part 3A law prior to the last election by the former planning minister Tony Kelly despite a recommendation for approval from the government-appointed Planning Assessment Panel.

On Thursday Kores Environment and Community Manager Peter Smith would neither confirm nor deny declarations made by ACA campaign director Alan Hayes that Kores was primed to submit a new application.

"All I can say at this stage is that we didn't pack up and leave, but carried on with our assessments and studies and the pursuit of our options," Mr Smith said.

"We may very well submit another application but all we will be seeking is a fair and genuine review of the project on its true technical merit. If that happens we are confident of a positive outcome," Mr Smith said.

A large part of the public concern was based on the mine being underneath a significant water catchment area, including the new Mardi Mangrove pipeline.

But Mr Smith said this concern has been well addressed and a genuine technical review would prove as much.

But both the ACA and member for Dobell Craig Thomson have called on Premier Barry O'Farrell to hold good to his pre-election promise of no mines in the valleys.

"The State Government says there will not be any mining in the valleys but it has fallen short of confirming there will be any legislation to stop them making mining applications and that's what it must make clear," Mr Thomson said.

Mr Hayes said Mr O'Farrell had signed to the effect that he would ensure there would never be a mine under the water catchment area.

"He even donned and paraded in one of the shirts with 'water not coal' printed on it," Mr Hayes said.

"We are concerned that the previous government rejected the application but did nothing to prevent more applications for mines like this from Kores and that is what we want Mr O'Farrell to do now."