Adani Mining, a wholly-owned subsidiary of India's Adani Group, has secured approval from the Queensland government for its proposed A$16.5bn ($15.4bn) Carmichael coal mine project in the Galilee Basin, north-west of Clermont, Australia.
The open-cut and underground coal mine will have an output of 60 million ton per year of thermal coal. It will feature six open-cut pits and five underground mines, five mine infrastructure areas, coal handling and processing plant and water-supply infrastructure.
The project also includes off-site infrastructure, including workers’ accommodation village and airport, in addition to a 189km rail line.
Queensland State Development, Infrastructure and Planning deputy premier and minister Jeff Seeney said this project has the potential to be the largest coal mine in Australia and one of the largest in the world.
"It is expected to generate over $500 million annually in direct and indirect benefits to Queensland’s economy during construction and $3 billion at full export capacity."
The Carmichael Coal Mine and Rail project will provide a major boost to the local and state economy by creating up to 2,500 construction and 3,900 operational jobs, Seeney added.
Queensland Coordinator-General’s report requires Adani to comply with 190 conditions during the construction and operational phases of the project.
The Commonwealth Environment minister will now take a decision on issues related to the federal Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act under the assessment bilateral agreement.