Activist loses court challenge against Carmichael coal mine

PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Indian major Adani on Tuesday welcomed a decision by the Queensland Court of Appeal to dismiss an activist challenge against the $16.5-billion Carmichael coal mine.

“The decision presents yet another independent judicial decision upholding nearly eight years of development planning and rigorous approvals, and dismisses activist claims to the contrary,” Adani said in a statement.

“It is also another legal rebuff of activists’ use of the courts to seek to delay a project that will create 10 000 direct and indirect jobs, including a minimum 7% of jobs going to Traditional Land Owners covering an almost 400 km long strip from Abbot Point to central western Queensland.”

Adani pointed out that the activist-supported appellant, Adrian Burragubba, had claimed that he was acting on behalf of the Wangan and Jagalingou communities, but that the people from these communities had voted 294 to 1 to support an Indigenous Land Use Agreement with Adani.

“So not only has the court clearly rejected his appeal today, but an overwhelming majority of the Wangan and Jagalingou people also has a different view to Burragubba and are seeking to realise the economic benefits of the project.”

The Queensland Resources Council has also welcomed the court decision, with CEO Ian Macfarlane saying that it was no surprise that the court action was dismissed, as ten local government areas across central and northern Queensland were desperate for the investment that the project would generate.

“For every year, the Adani Carmichael coal mine project is delayed, Queensland misses out on A$185-million in royalties, which would pay for 2 900 extra nurses or 3 350 extra police officers or 3 400 extra teachers. Exporting resources helps to fund essential services and they are a significant driver of growth, in 2015/16 the industry contributed A$55.7-billion to the state’s economy,” Macfarlane said.

The Carmichael coal, railway and port project includes building Australia’s largest thermal coal mine producing some 60-million tonnes a year over a 90-year mine life, linked by a new 388 km standard gauge rail line to a new terminal at Abbot Point port near Bowen.