Environmental Groups Dismayed Over Labor Government’s Approval of Four Coal Mines Expansion

Coal is unloaded onto large piles at the Ulan Coal mines near the central New South Wales rural town of Mudgee in Australia, on March 8, 2018. David Gray/Reuters

The Albanese government’s decision to approve the expansion of four coal mines has earned the ire of environmentalists groups, which they say are contrary to the Paris Agreement’s target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celcius.

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek approved the expansion of the Vulcan South, Caval Ridge, and Lake Vermont coal mines in Queensland and the Boggabri coal mine in NSW.

Pilbersek said these projects were “all extensions of existing operations” and are necessary for the production of steel used by various industries.

However, environmentalists have called out the move, with the Lock the Gate alliance even pointing out that Vitrinite’s Vulcan South mine is the subject of a criminal investigation for alleged illegal land clearing, which consisted of 47 hectares of koala habitat and the commencement of mining at the site despite an ongoing federal assessment.

“Any last residue of hope that we had in the Albanese government to do the right thing for the environment and endangered species like the koala has vanished with this outrageous coal mine approval,” said Claire Gronow, Lock the Gate Alliance Central Queensland Coordinator.

Koalas Not Coal alliance group noted that the expansion of the four coal mines will result in the emission of more than about 850 million tonnes of carbon tonnes over their lifetime—equivalent to almost twice of Australia’s annual emissions.

“Instead of taking real climate action and stopping habitat destruction, the Albanese government has approved a polluting new coal mine to bulldoze vast areas of important koala habitat that should be protected,” the alliance said.

Similarly, the Climate Council expressed its disappointment, emphasising that the International Energy Agency (IEA) already said that new or expanded coal mines are not in line with the global climate ambition and that existing coal supplies are enough to meet steelmaking demand through to 2050.

“Our atmosphere doesn’t care if this coal is for steel or power—it’s all heating our planet and driving climate pollution,” said Lesley Hughes, Climate Councillor Professor.

“Approving these mines while delaying stronger protections shows a clear disconnect between the government’s rhetoric and its actions.”

Prior to the approval, Australian Institute research director Rod Campbell, said that Queensland has more mines now than ever before, with 58 operating this year.

Despite the state’s increase of coal royalties, Campbell noted that production rose to 224 million tonnes in 2024, compared to 218 million in 2022, although down from the record of 249 million in 2018.

“While Australians are trying to enjoy the end of the year, the Minister is doing the bidding of multinational coal companies,” said Campbell about the recent approval.

“With every heatwave and every bushfire this summer, Australians should remember that their government is making this problem worse, not better.”