Australia gives greenlight to massive coal mine despite environmental concerns

[unhappycamper]

http://www.dw.com/en/australia-gives-greenlight-to-massive-coal-mine-despite-environmental-concerns/a-18784515

Australia has re-approved a controversial plan for Indian mining conglomerate Adani to build one of the largest coal mines in the world. The mine has come under intense criticism from environmental groups.

Australia gives greenlight to massive coal mine despite environmental concerns
15.10.2015

Australia's environment minister, Greg Hunt, said on Thursday that the multi-billion dollar coal mining project would face "36 of the strictest conditions in Australian history." However, environmental groups vowed to continue opposition over a what they called a "complete disaster" for the climate and Great Barrier Reef.

The decision comes two months after a Federal Court blocked the Carmichael mine from moving forward due to concern over two threatened species - the yakka skink and the ornamental snake.

The court decision prompted debate in the Australian government on reviewing laws to make it more difficult for environmental groups to challenge development projects through "lawfare."

Hunt said the court's concerns had been addressed through "rigorous conditions" to protect the two threatened species, as well as off-set measures for other environmental impacts.