The event, which included the launch of a fact sheet to set straight the truths about the Galilee Basin, touched on topics such as Adani’s Carmichael project and the Abbot Point coal terminal, and attracted industry leaders keen to get real data and facts about Adani’s intentions in Australia.

The fact sheet was produced by a collaboration of industry groups across regional Queensland.

“The coal demand in India will grow by 173% from 2013 to 2020, and this demand is independent of Australia,” Janakaraj told the 380 attendees at the BBMC luncheon.

“If India’s coal doesn’t come from the Galilee Basin, India will burn 30% more dirty coal from elsewhere to generate the same amount of electricity.”

In addition to the quality of Galilee Basin coal, Adani’s Carmichael project is insulated from the coal market, with Adani’s pit-to-plug strategy ensuring that cost is the most important factor, rather than the coal price, he said.

This makes the suppliers and contractors to the mine more important than ever.

“We cannot deliver this project by ourselves. We are here to learn and deliver together - and that will be our success factor,” Janakaraj said.

Downer Mining, the principal contractor for Carmichael, agree that efficiency and a long-term focus will be critical to the project’s success.

Downer Mining COO Open Cut East Kurt Baumgart said: “The supply chain's innovation and capability is an extremely important focus, to deliver the best value down the line.

“Downer have also proposed to extend the Carmichael supply catchment as far north as Townsville and as far south as Rockhampton, which is good news for all of regional Queensland.”

Bowen Basin Mining Club director Jodie Currie said there should be greater optimism given the recent approval of Adani’s Carmichael mining lease.

“Now is the time for businesses to prepare and be ready to do business with the big players. Being able to prove a track record of innovation and cost saving measures will stand any business in good stead,” she said.

“As an industry, it’s now our responsibility to help change the national conversation around Carmichael and the Galilee Basin, which is a world class thermal coal resource,” said Currie.