The deep mine had retained UGM Mining to oversee care and maintenance duties at the complex.

"During the quarter, the company replaced the head contractor responsible as the mine operator with an alternative contractor to enhance preliminary site preparation and readiness activities," the company said in the report.

"The company continues its discussions with potential mining contractors, equipment suppliers and coal end users to support the ... platform to recommence mining at Dartbrook."

Australian Pacific took over the thermal Dartbrook operation last year in a deal with Anglo American and Marubeni Coal. It filed an application to recommence mining in March with modifications to plans that could include bord and pillar (room and pillar) mining from the Kayuga seam in lieu of the previously approved longwall.

That modification has also sought to extend the approval period through December 2027.

"The proposed bord and pillar mining will consist of only first workings," officials said previously.

"The modification will not increase the footprint of approved mining operations nor involve restart of the existing coal washery. The modification will not alter the approved mining activities in the other coal seams."

The company's modification proposal is still under review and could be decided on by state government regulators by October.

It noted in the report that it is also in discussions with "a number of parties" for partnerships and funding options for the mine. The latter, it said, will be needed this calendar year to continue the costs of care and maintenance, as well as put operational readiness initiatives into place as it plans the restart.

Brisbane-based Australian Pacific is targeting production from Dartbrook of 1.5 million tonnes annually.