The NSW Aboriginal Land Council is continuing to investigate mining opportunities across the state, saying it needs to be economically independent.

Chairman of the council Roy Ah-See says the decision wasn’t an easy one but is necessary in order to create resources to address the social challenges faced by First Nation’s communities.

The NSW ALC has a joint venture partner, Paradigm Resources, with licenses to explore for minerals near Nyngan, Wilcannia and Temora.

Mr Ah-See says the council is also interested in applying for petroleum exploration tenure around the Darling Basin in far west NSW.

“Coal seam gas, it’s a very sensitive subject for a lot of our communities.

“So all we can do is really sit back and wait and hope we get an opportunity to be able to unlock some of the potential that’s there to deliver benefits back to our communities — employment, jobs, and wealth creation for our communities.”