Adani: Carmichael mega coal mine one step closer to production

UPDATE: THREE key mining leases have been approved, paving the way for Adani’s Carmichael mega coal mine to go ahead.

THREE key mining leases have been approved to pave the way for Adani’s Carmichael mega coal mine to go ahead.

Premier Annastacia Palasczuzk and Mines Minister Anthony Lynham have confirmed the approvals have been granted.

But digging at the Galilee Basin site will not begin just yet with the company still needing secondary approvals for its rail and port facilities as well as for power, water, roadworks and the airport.

Adani also needs a financial assurance with the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection.

“This is a major step forward for this project after extensive government and community scrutiny,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Some approvals are required before construction can start and ultimately committing to the project will be a decision for Adani.”

Adani’s Australian CEO Jeyakumar Janakaraj said he believed the secondary approvals would be dealt with this year allowing construction to start in 2017.

Activists are expected to protest the mine outside Queensland Parliament in Brisbane on Monday, linking coal mining to coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef.

“As global temperatures hit terrifying levels and the Reef turns a deathly white, the absurdity of Anastacia Paluszczuk’s Government approving this monstrous coal project cannot be understated,” Ms Williams said.

Originally published as Adani: Carmichael mega coal mine one step closer to production