Adani group gets final approval for coal mine project in Australia

In a major development, Ahmedabad-based Adani group, with interests ranging from infrastructure to energy, has cleared its last regulatory hurdle to commence work on its ambitious but controversy-hit Carmichael coal mine project in Australia, with Queensland State authorities approving its groundwater management plan.

The final approval for the group’s long-delayed billion-dollar mega coal mine project came only weeks after a surprise election win of Australia’s pro-coal ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Following the election, Labor Party leader Bill Shorten, who had taken a strong stand against coal and mining, resigned after his party fared poorly in Queensland, especially in mining communities in the north of the State.

“Today, our remarkable journey of conviction, resilience and commitment in Australia enters a new phase. I’m thankful to the Queensland government and the Australian federal government for believing in Adani’s vision to fortify India’s energy security & create opportunities for Australians,” said Gautam Adani on Twitter after the final nod was granted by the local authorities in Australia.