The project has been approved by the Australia Minister for the Environment Greg Hunt in accordance with national environment law, subject to 36 of the strictest conditions.
In August, the Australia’s federal court has rejected an environmental approval which was initially given for Adani’s coal mine, following a lawsuit filed by Mackay Conservation Group.
The environmental groups claim that the project was approved without considering the mine’s impact on the two vulnerable species that are found only in Queensland.
However, Greg Hunt said that the new conditions will ensure Adani meets the highest environmental standards.
The conditions include implementation of all advice by the company from the Independent Expert Scientific Committee on coal seam gas and large coal mining development.
In addition to protecting and improving 31,000ha of southern black throated finch habitat, the company must fund $1m for research program in a bid to improve conservation of threatened species in the Galilee Basin over a period of ten years.
Prior to starting coal mining at the project, the company is required to secure approval from Greg Hunt for a planned groundwater management and monitoring plan.
Greg Hunt said: "In making this decision I have considered additional information provided by Adani and environmental groups, including the Mackay Conservation Group, the Environmental Defenders Office and the Australian Conservation Foundation.
"I have the power to suspend or revoke the approval and strict penalties apply if there is a breach of the strict conditions. Department of Environment compliance and enforcement officers will closely monitor the operation of the mine."
The Carmichael mine, which will have an operating life of approximately 60 years, is planned to commence coal production in 2017.
Greg Hunt also approved $2.2bn North Galilee Basin rail project for Adani Mining but with 23 strict conditions.
The 300km rail line, which will have capacity to transport around 100mt of coal a year, is planned to connect the Carmichael coal mine west of Moranbah to the port of Abbot Point.
Image: Adani is expected to meet the highest environmental standards at the coal mine in Australia. Photo: courtesy of John Kasawa/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
