Queensland Government announces $16bn coal mine in Galilee Basin

The proposed $16.5 billion Carmichael Coal Mine and Rail project north-west of Clermont has been approved by Queensland’s Coordinator-General.

According to the media statement by Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, the Hon. Jeff Seeney, the Carmichael Coal Mine could become the largest coal mine in Australia projected to produce up to 60 million tonnes of coal each year.

The project is in the hands of Adani Mining, a wholly owned subsidiary of India’s Adani Group. The Federal Government is to give the final approval for the official kick-off.

“Our government identified resources as one of the four key pillars of the state’s economy and promised at the election to grow the sector for the benefit of all Queenslanders. Our reforms to Labour’s onerous approvals system have transformed the business environment for the mining sector, without any lowering of environmental standards,” said Mr Seeney.

“Projects that have languished for years in approvals are now being efficiently, yet rigorously assessed, signalling that Queensland is open for business.”

According to him, the Carmichael Coal Mine and Rail project can provide a major boost to the local and state economy since it has the potential to create up to 2,500 construction and 3,900 operational jobs.

“The project proposes a combination of open-cut and underground coal mining and is forecast to produce 60 million tonnes of thermal coal per annum for export,” he said.

“It is expected to generate over $500 million annually in direct and indirect benefits to Queensland’s economy during construction and $3 billion at full export capacity.”

The Coordinator-General has set rigorous and extensive conditions to protect landholders, local flora, groundwater resources, surface water and air quality as well as controls on dust and noise.

“The 600-page Coordinator-General’s report sets 190 conditions for proponent Adani to meet during the construction and operational phase of the project. In relation to groundwater and water bores, Adani will be required to reach make-good agreements with all affected landholders including the identification and provision of alternative water supplies,” the Minister said.

“Adani will also be required to contribute water monitoring data and funding to a Galilee region water resource model.”