Adani Group gets Queensland Govt nod for $15.5-billion coal project in Australia

Ahmedabad: The Government of Australia’s Queensland province on Thursday approved the Adani Group’s A$16.5-billion ($15.46-billion) coal mine development project in the Galilee Basin.

This will enable the company move to the next stage, obtaining final environmental approval from the Federal Government of Australia, the Adani Group said on Thursday.

The Carmichael coalmine and railway project is expected to produce up to 60 million tonnes of coal annually, to be transported on a 190-km rail line to the Port of Abbot Point’s coal terminal, which also Adani owns.

The company will also have to obtain a mining lease and water licence from the environmental authority.

Local development

Commenting on the approval, Group Chairman Gautam Adani said the company would ensure the involvement of local and regional communities, which would share in the economic benefits of the project.

One of the largest of its kind in the world, the Carmichael project is expected to create nearly 6,500 jobs and infrastructure facilities such as a coal handling and processing plant, water supply, an airport and accommodation for workers.

Welcoming the decision, Adani said development of Australia’s Galilee Basin was central to the economic growth of Queensland and Australia.

Create jobs

“We remain committed to delivering this multi-billion dollar project, with world class standards, which will directly employ thousands of people during construction and over the operational period.”

The company will develop the Carmichael coal mine with related rail and port infrastructure.

Since 2011, the Adanis have owned the coal export terminal at the Port of Abbot Point, Adani added.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.