Environmental Groups Express Concern over Labor Government’s Approval of Expansion of Four Coal Mines
Vitrinite’s Vulcan South is currently under criminal investigation for allegedly illegally clearing 47 hectares of koala habitat.
The decision by the Albanese government to expand four coal mines has sparked outrage among environmentalist groups, who argue that it goes against the goals of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has approved the expansion of Vulcan South, Caval Ridge, and Lake Vermont coal mines in Queensland, as well as the Boggabri coal mine in NSW, stating that they are all extensions of existing operations necessary for steel production.
However, critics have denounced the move, with the Lock the Gate alliance highlighting that Vitrinite’s Vulcan South mine is under investigation for illegal land clearing and the start of mining operations without a complete federal assessment.
“The approval of this coal mine by the Albanese government has shattered any hope we had left for them to prioritize the environment and endangered species like the koala,” said Claire Gronow, Central Queensland Coordinator of Lock the Gate Alliance.
The Koalas Not Coal alliance group pointed out that these coal mine expansions will result in emissions of over 850 million tonnes of carbon, nearly double Australia’s annual emissions.
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The Climate Council also expressed disappointment, pointing out that the International Energy Agency (IEA) has stated that new or expanded coal mines do not align with global climate goals, as current coal reserves are adequate for steel production until 2050.
“Approving these mines while delaying stronger environmental protections shows a significant disconnect between the government’s words and actions,” the Climate Council added.
Prior to the approval, Australian Institute research director Rod Campbell highlighted the increasing number of mines in Queensland, with 58 currently operational in the state.
Despite an increase in coal royalties, production reached 224 million tonnes in 2024, up from 218 million in 2022, though below the record of 249 million in 2018.
“With every heatwave and bushfire this summer, Australians should remember that their government is exacerbating the issue, not resolving it.”
