Australian government approves first new coal mine since elected

The Australian government has granted approval for a new coal mine, the Isaac River coal mine, marking the first approval since being elected on a climate action platform. The mine, situated near Moranbah, is expected to yield approximately 2.5 million tonnes of coal over a span of five years, contributing to around 7 million tonnes of greenhouse gases. Despite scientific warnings regarding the inconsistency of new fossil fuel projects with global climate goals, the government proceeded with the approval.

Various environmental groups had urged the government to reject the mine, highlighting concerns over increased global emissions and harm to endangered species habitats. However, the government stated that no formal submissions were received during the consultation period. The proponents of the mine, Bowen Coking Coal, will have an opportunity to respond to proposed conditions before final approval, which is typically granted within a few months.

Although the Australian Labor government has implemented stricter emissions reduction targets and introduced a carbon cap, it has not ruled out new coal and gas projects. This decision to approve the coal mine has sparked calls for environmental law reform. The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has consistently emphasised the incompatibility of new fossil fuel projects with the objectives of the Paris Agreement.