With the Queensland Government in Australia approving the AUD 16.5-billion coal mine development project, the Adani Group on Thursday said this would enable it to move to the next stage of project, the final environmental approval of the Federal Government of Australia.

The Queensland Government approved the Adani mining project, worth about $15.46 billion, in the Galilee Basin. The Carmichael coal mine and railway project is expected to produce up to 60 million tonnes of coal annually, which will be transported on a 190-km-long rail line to the port. The company would also have to obtain a mining lease, water licence and environmental authority.

Commenting on the approval, Group Chairman Gautam Adani said the company would ensure the involvement of the local and regional communities, who would share the economic benefits of this development project.

One of the largest such projects in the world, and the largest in Australia, the Carmichael project is expected to create nearly 6,500 jobs and infrastructure facilities such as coal handling and processing plant, water supply, airport and accommodation for workers.

Welcoming the decision, Adani said development of Australia’s Galilee Basin was central to the economic growth of Queensland and Australia. “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 the relating rail and port infrastructure would deliver Adani’s core pit-to-plug strategy.

The Adanis have followed benchmark engineering and technological standards to achieve this milestone through careful scrutiny and assessment by the Coordinator General, he said in a statement.

Since 2011, the Adanis have owned the coal export terminal at the Port of Abbot Point, continuing the port’s 30-year history of operating to the highest environmental standards, Adani added.

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