The State Government has released nearly 1,300 square kilometres of land in central Queensland for coal mining exploration.

The seven parcels of land released for exploration are spread across the northern Bowen Basin.

Two sites east of Middlemount, two small allotments between Nebo and Moranbah, and three large areas west of Glenden have all been made available by the Department of Natural Resources.

It follows State Government changes to the way exploration permits were assessed, speeding up the approval process.

Mines Minister Andrew Cripps says tenders can now be compared against each other, ensuring land is allocated to the best company for exploration.

He says the tender process also gives the opportunity for junior explorers to make their mark.

Mr Cripps says his department has cleared a backlog of about 1,400 exploration permits across Queensland since the changes.