The Albanese government says it has given approval for the expansion of four coalmines that climate campaigners estimate will release more than 850m tonnes of CO2 over their lifetime – equivalent to almost double Australia’s annual emissions.
The four mines are expected to target mostly coal to be used for steelmaking with some thermal coal for burning in power stations.
According to reports, the approvals have angered climate and environment groups, including groups in the Pacific, who said the expansions would put people at increased risk from extreme weather events and undermined the country’s case to host international climate talks in 2026.
The office of the environment minister, Tanya Plibersek, said the four projects approved were the Boggabri coalmine in New South Wales and, in Queensland, the Caval Ridge Horse Pit, the Lake Vermont Meadowbrook coalmine and the Vulcan South coalmine.
Plibersek attempted to downplay the decisions, saying the projects were “all extensions of existing operations” and were producing coal for making steel that was essential for “homes, bridges, trains, windfarms, and solar panels”.
“There are currently no feasible renewable alternatives for making steel,” she said.
Read also: Pakistan, Bahamas join push for global pact to phase out fossil fuels
She said the projects would support up to 3,000 jobs and had to comply with Australia’s commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
The government had issued “240 strict conditions across the projects to ensure the environment is protected,” she said.
The projects would be assessed under the government’s revised safeguard mechanism, which only accounts for emissions generated in Australia.
The bulk of the emissions caused by the projects come when the coal is burned overseas, and is therefore not counted under Australia’s climate commitments.
Plibersek said she had “ticked off a record 68 renewable energy projects” and “no new coalmines” this year. In September, Plibersek approved three coalmine extensions and approved a new coalmine in 2023.
Story was adapted from the Guardian.
