New Acland Coal mine in Toowoomba Magistrates Court accused of causing environmental harm
Representatives for New Acland Coal fronted Toowoomba Magistrates Court after charges were laid against the fossil fuel giant. Here’s what they’re charged with.
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A major Darling Downs fossil fuel company has been accused of wilfully and unlawfully causing environmental harm.
New Acland Coal Pty Ltd was also charged with another alleged crime, however the details are unknown as it was classified as an ‘undefined offence’.
The coal mine which began operating in 2002 is owned by New Hope Group, and is located about 50km west of Toowoomba.
Representatives for New Acland Coal, which is touted as a major employer of the region, fronted Toowoomba Magistrates Court on the morning of Wednesday, December 6, for the first mention of the case.
The court heard material was being compiled about the matter, which was likely to be completed when the charges are next mentioned before the court on February 28, 2024.
No details on the alleged environmental harm were mentioned in court.
The court did not hear how the charges originated.
In early 2023, an expansion of the mine was green-lit, and it began shipping coal internationally in October.
As of December 6, 2023, the energy company’s share price was listed as 4.995, which dipped by -6.11 per cent over the past week, and -21.46 per cent for the TYD.
Of the ASX listed company’s 11,000 shareholders, Washington H. Soul Pattinson was named by NHG as its major shareholder.
The Australian investment company Washington H Soul Pattinson was first listed on the ASX in 1903.
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