Key facts
- Australia's National Environmental Protection Agency approved the Saraji coal mine extension.
- The mine can now operate until 2055, with permission to extract an additional 55 million tonnes of coal.
- The approval permits clearing of endangered koala habitat and other vulnerable species' habitats.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated Pacific leaders did not object to Australia's fossil fuel exports.
- Climate Council stated burning the coal would release approximately 120 million tonnes of CO2.
Australia's newly established National Environmental Protection Agency has approved its first coal project, granting an extension to the Saraji open-cut mine in Queensland. The approval allows the mine to continue operations until 2055, with permission to extract an additional 55 million tonnes of coal, despite concerns over its impact on threatened woodland and koala habitats.
The decision comes shortly after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denied that Australia's fossil fuel exports caused tension during recent talks with Pacific leaders. A spokesperson for the National Environmental Protection Agency stated that the approval includes strict conditions to protect threatened species and water resources, limiting the clearing of habitat for koalas, ornamental snakes, and squatter pigeons.
BMA's application indicated potential clearing of nearly 10 hectares of endangered koala habitat, over 14 hectares of vulnerable ornamental snake habitat, and substantial areas for squatter pigeons and Brigalow woodland. The agency's approval sets specific limits on the amount of habitat that can be cleared for these species.
During the Pacific Islands Forum, Albanese emphasized the importance of taking climate change seriously, stating that Pacific leaders did not raise objections regarding Australia's fossil fuel expansion. He asserted that Australia is highly regarded for its climate change efforts and that the transition away from fossil fuels cannot happen instantaneously.
However, climate advocates have voiced strong criticism. Ben McLeod of the Climate Council highlighted that the coal to be extracted would release approximately 120 million tonnes of CO2, questioning the compatibility of this approval with the Prime Minister's climate commitments. He argued that the government's environmental law reforms are insufficient to address climate pollution.
Greenpeace Australia Pacific labeled the Saraji approval as the 37th fossil fuel project greenlit by the Albanese government, calling it "double talk" and an "affront" to Pacific nations. Dr. Simon Bradshaw of Greenpeace stated it is "deeply insincere" to discuss regional security while fast-tracking fossil fuel projects that exacerbate the climate crisis, the primary security threat to the Pacific.
Dr. Carol Rowston of Environmental Advocacy Central Queensland expressed concern that the mine's extension would further pressure threatened species and impact water quality in the Fitzroy River catchment, particularly during flood events. The environment minister, Murray Watt, has been approached for comment.