Adani Australia on Thursday received its final environmental approval needed to begin work on its Carmichael mine in Central Queensland.
“Today our remarkable journey of conviction, resilience and commitment in Australia enters a new phase,” said Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani.
“I am thankful to the Queensland government and the Australian federal government for believing in the Adani Group’s vision of strengthening India’s energy security and creating new opportunities for the people of Australia,” he said in a statement.
Acquired by Adani in 2010, the project is slated to produce 8 to 10 million tonnes of thermal coal a year and cost up to 1.5 billion dollars. However, it has been stuck in court battles and opposition from environmental groups.
CEO of Adani Mining Lucas Dow said the company is ready to start work on the Carmichael Project and deliver the jobs these regions so badly need.
“Adani Mining received advice today from the Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Science that the Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems Management Plan (GDEMP) has been finalised and approved. Throughout the past eight years, regional Queenslanders have been beside us every step of the way and we thank them for their on-going support,” he said.
Today our remarkable journey of conviction, resilience, and commitment in Australia enters a new phase. I’m thankful to the Queensland govt and the Australian federal govt for believing in Adani’s vision to fortify India’s energy security & create opportunities for Australians. https://t.co/tS1rwi9jES
— Gautam Adani (@gautam_adani) June 13, 2019
The approval states that the plan complies with all regulatory conditions set by the Australian and state governments, bringing to a close a two-year process of rigorous scientific inquiry, review and approvals. This includes relevant reviews by Australia’s pre-eminent scientific organisations Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and Geoscience Australia.
The finalisation of the GDEMP and Black-throated Finch Management Plan paves the way for construction to commence on the Carmichael Project and the delivery of much-needed jobs for regional Queenslanders.
The project will deliver 1,500 direct and 6,750 indirect jobs during ramp up and construction, with Rockhampton and Townsville the primary hubs for employment. The Whitsunday, Isaac, Central Highlands, Mackay, Charters Towers and Gladstone regions will also benefit from work packages and employment opportunities. (ANI)
