Amy Mitchell-Whittington reports in the Brisbane Times (3.4.16) on the state government’s awarding of Galilee Basin coal mining leases to the Adani mining company. The mining projects still need to pass ‘secondary’ approvals before mine construction can commence.
‘The Galilee Basin project is now one step closer after the state government announced approval of three Adani mining leases.
‘Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dr Anthony Lynham approved the grant of three individual mining leases for the $21.7 billion Carmichael coal, mine and rail project on Sunday.
‘The approvals come after Adani secured final environmental approval and had reached an agreement on compensation with a landholder last month. The approved leases are 70441 Carmichael, 70505 Carmichael Eastand 70506 Carmichael North, which are estimated to contain 11 billion tonnes of thermal coal.
‘Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the approved leases had undergone “extensive government and community scrutiny” and were a step towards securing jobs for region, with more than 5000 jobs expected to be generated during construction and more than 4000 during operation.’