Adani coal mining project gets approval in Australia

Ahmedabad, May 8 (IANS) The state government of Queensland Thursday approved the Adani Group's $16.5 billion Carmichael Coal Mine and Rail project in Australia, subject to a set of environmental and social approvals.

The Group in a media statement said the decision by the Queensland government was "a significant step towards opening up the Galilee Basin and providing extensive economic benefits to the people of Queensland".

"We welcome the decision of the Queensland Government and this allows us to move to the next stage of the project, ensuring that local and regional communities continue to be involved in the development of our projects and share the economic benefits," Chairman Gautam Adani said.

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

Developing the Carmichael Coal Mine with relating rail and port infrastructure will deliver the Adani's core pit to plug strategy.

Since 2011, Adani has owned the coal export terminal at the Port of Abbot Point.