Tarong Energy is wholly owned by the Queensland Government. Tarong Energy owns the Mineral Development Licence (MDL383) for the coal deposit under the Haystack Plain, an area of 13,000 hectares (32,500 acres) of iconic farmland. 

Tarong Energy representatives stated that they have more than enough coal to service the Tarong Power Station for its entire operating life (25years+) without the Haystack coal deposit. Tarong have no intention of mining Haystack coal themselves and are reviewing the asset with the intention to sell the Mineral Development Licence to another company. Tarong Energy representative stated the Haystack coal deposit is export quality coal and is likely to be exported.