Queensland Government announces $16b coal mine in Galilee Basin, subject to Federal approval – by Melinda Howells (Australian Broadcasting Corporation – May 9, 2014)

http://www.abc.net.au/news/

The Queensland Government has signed off on a $16 billion coal development in the Galilee Basin in the state’s central region that could become the largest coal mine in Australia.

The Carmichael Coal Mine north-west of Clermont will produce up to 60 million tonnes of coal each year and includes a 189-kilometre rail line. The project, which is being run by Adani Mining, a wholly owned subsidiary of India’s Adani Group, now goes to the Federal Government for final approval.

Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney says a processing plant, workers’ accommodation and an airport will also be built. “The coordinator-general has approved the project subject to an extensive list of environmental and social conditions,” he said. “If it proceeds, the Carmichael project would not only be the largest coal mine in Australia but one of the largest in the world.

“But it would also be a vital project in opening up the hugely significant Galilee Basin.” He says the coordinator-general had “worked closely” with the Commonwealth Department of Environment in finalising the report.

“The stringent and wide-ranging conditions set by the coordinator-general include protections for local flora, fauna, landholder interest, ground water resources, the quality of surface water leaving the project site, air quality and noise and dust levels,” Mr Seeney said.

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

“We know that boosting economic growth creates jobs for Queenslanders and that growth is critical to tackling the legacy of debt left to us by Labor.”

For the rest of this article, click here: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-08/queensland-government-approves-16b-coal-mine-in-galilee-basin/5438704