Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said yesterday there had been a 100 per cent increase in the number of applications from explorers in the past financial year.

In 2005-06 the Department of Mines and Energy received 650 applications.

At the end of April this year, more than 1300 applications had been received.

More staff have been employed by the Department of Mines and Energy to fast track applications.

“Successful companies plan to spend around half a billion dollars in the first four years of their operations,” Mr Wilson said.

“We’re well on track to meet our target of doubling mining investment to $540 million by 2010.”

Mr Wilson said 150,000 square kilometres had been opened up for petroleum exploration alone this year.

In the past year, construction began on 11 new mining and petroleum projects, nine new coal mines started up and six major mineral mines went into production.

“These applications are an indication of the confidence in Queensland and the interest companies have in coming here to do business,” Premier Anna Bligh said.