GVK Power & Infrastructure Limited on Tuesday were ordered by Land Court of Queensland to meet strict environmental conditions relating to water conservation before developing the coal mine and related infrastructure with an outlay of $10 billion.

The Court recommended approval of the mining lease for Alpha as long as conditions are met while addressing various issues relating to environment. Local farmers had raised concerns about water use.

GVK Hancok is a mega coal project now under execution by the Hyderabad-based GVK group and Australian mining magnate Gina Rinehart.

Responding to the development, GVK Hancock, the mining entity of the GVK Group in Australia, has welcomed the recommendations from the Land Court that the Environmental Authority and Mining Lease for Alpha coal project be granted subject to conditions.

In a statement issued by GVK Hancock, it said, “We understand the significant benefits our projects will bring to the region and will continue to work with the environmental regulators in relation to these recommendations.”

This recommendation to grant the mining lease and environmental authority endorses the comprehensive environmental assessments of our Galilee Basin projects, which was approved by State and Federal governments.

It further said, “We will continue working cooperatively with landholders, the local community and Governments as we progress our projects to a point where construction can commence. We are well aware that the development of the Galilee Basin represents one of the most significant pieces of regional and economic development our state has seen for decades.”

The project is expected to provide direct employment to around 7,500 people across the region, state and nation during construction, and almost 4,000 once operational contributing over $40 billion in taxes and royalties over the life of the mines.

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