It is reported that the court case into the validity of BHP Billiton's exploration licence in the Caroona region has wrapped up in Sydney.

It will be several months before the Caroona Coal Action Group knows if it has succeeded in proving BHP Billiton's exploration licence 6505 is invalid.

After two days of complex technical arguments, the case has centered on whether the minister for mineral resources Mr Ian Macdonald, acted outside his powers when he awarded the licence in 2006.

Counsel for the mining giant and the Minister strenuously argued their clients complied with all relevant provisions of the Mining Act.

The legal team representing the Caroona Coal Action Group has submitted the licence is void because there are gaps in the timing and sequence of decision making between the minister and his department.

The hearing also produced documents that showed BHP Billiton would pay the New South Wales Government USD 235 million if it won the tender for the licence and subsequently secured a mining lease.

(Sourced from www.abc.net.au)