If the US miner is found to have mined too close to a large jarrah tree, it would trigger an automatic cancellation of its right to mine much of its lease.
Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, increases oil and gas flow in so-called tight reservoirs by cracking the structure with fluid under pressure. It is banned in WA except for some areas of the Mid-West and the Kimberley.
Black Mountain's conclusion that its drilling will not affect water resources is without foundation, and threatened species and National Heritage are at risk, according to the Federal environment department.
