The federal government is being slammed as “despicable” after approving the expansion of operations at four coal mines while declaring no new mines had been approved in 2024.
Climate campaigners estimate the projects, in NSW and Queensland, will release 850 million tonnes of carbon dioxide over their lifetime.
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The four coal mines are Boggabri, Caval Ridge Horse Pit, Lake Vermont Meadowbrook and Vulcan South.
Australia’s decision has been labelled by island nations as a “death sentence”.
Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young slammed the move as “giving coal for Christmas”.
Meanwhile, climate activists for the Pacific say the move puts a dent in Australia’s hopes of hosting UN climate talks in 2026.
Environment minister Tanya Pliberseck is defending the approvals. The minister said coal is for making steel that is essential for “homes, bridges, trains, windfarms, and solar panels”
Pilberseck also claimed they’ll support up to 3,000 jobs and have to comply with Australia’s commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
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