The EA application was vigorously assessed by EHP and acted on recommendations made by the Land Court.
“EHP is confident the strict conditions placed on the EA, including extra requirements based on the Land Court’s recommendations, will ensure this mine will not pose an unacceptable risk to the environment and any potential impacts will be closely monitored,” it said in a statement yesterday.
In December the Queensland Land Court recommended that Carmichael proceed, subject to additional conditions. The conditions recommended prior to the granting of a mining lease add to some of the strictest conditions ever handed down for a project of its kind in Queensland, and the strictest ever handed down for a project under federal law, according to Adani.
“This significant decision recognises the thorough, science and evidence-based work Adani and its partners have undertaken over more than five years to demonstrate the company’s commitment to complying with both Queensland and Australia’s world’s best practice environmental protections,” the company said in a statement.
“Adani welcomes the decision, which recognises the pivotal role the resources sector plays in Queensland, subject to strict regulations.”
Queensland Resources Council CEO Michael Roche said the Land Court approval, while welcome, immediately raised concern of further litigation from environmental group Coast and Country.
“Coast and Country are serial abusers of the Queensland court system and we fear that they will not respect the Land Court’s recommendation as the final word,” he said.
