Australia's new national environmental protection agency has approved its first coal project, allowing Queensland's Saraji open-cut mine to keep digging until 2055 while clearing threatened woodland and koala habitat.
Key facts
- The agency's first coal approval extends the Saraji open-cut mine in Queensland to 2055.
- The Saraji mine digs and exports coal used for steel making.
- The approval allows clearing of threatened woodland and koala habitat.
- Climate groups have criticised the decision.
- The approval follows PM Anthony Albanese denying tensions with Pacific leaders over fossil fuels.
Australia’s new national agency for environmental protection has approved its first coal project, allowing a Queensland open-cut mine to continue operating until 2055, according to the Guardian. The decision has drawn anger from climate groups.
The approval covers an extension of the Saraji mine, an open-cut operation that digs and exports coal used for steel making. Under the decision, the mine will be able to keep digging until 2055.
According to the Guardian, the approval also clears the way for the removal of threatened woodland and koala habitat, a point that has fuelled criticism from environmental campaigners.
The confirmation of the extension comes shortly after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denied this week that there was tension over Australia’s fossil fuel exports during talks with Pacific leaders.
The decision marks the first coal project approved by the newly established national environmental protection agency, placing early scrutiny on how the body balances environmental protection with resource development.
Why it matters
The approval is the first coal decision from Australia's new environmental protection agency, setting an early precedent for how the body weighs fossil fuel development against habitat protection. It also arrives amid ongoing scrutiny of Australia's fossil fuel exports and its relationships with Pacific nations concerned about climate change.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Saraji mine?
The Saraji mine is a Queensland open-cut mine that digs and exports coal used for steel making, according to the Guardian.
How long can the mine now operate?
Under the approval, the Saraji mine will be able to keep digging until 2055.
Why are climate groups angry about the decision?
The approval allows clearing of threatened woodland and koala habitat, and it is the new environmental agency's first coal project approval, according to the Guardian.