Adani Australia said it will start ramping up mining activity at its Carmichael mine in Central Queensland, Australia over the coming days as it has received the final environmental approval for the project.
The mine can produce up to 60 million tons of coal per year, but the company will produce only 27.5 million tons, according to Australian media reports.
The output has to be moved to Abbot Point port and then evacuated.
Adani Mining received advice today from the Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Science that the Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems Management Plan (GDEMP) has been finalised and approved.
The approval comes after a lot of back and forth between the company and the government of Queensland.
The project will be the biggest Indian investment in Australia.
“I am thankful to the Queensland government and the Australian federal government for believing in the Adani Group’s vision of strengthening India’s energy security and creating new opportunities for the people of Australia,” said Gautam Adani, Adani Group Chairman.
Adani said it is “ready to start work on the Carmichael Project and deliver the jobs these regions so badly need.”
The approval states that the plan complies with all regulatory conditions set by the Australian and State Governments, bringing to a close a two-year process of rigorous scientific inquiry, review and approvals.
The process included reviews by Australia’s scientific organisations CSIRO and Geoscience Australia.
The company has also undertaken to conserve the Black-throated Finch.
“Moving forward, Adani Australia’s priority is ensuring the safety of everyone who works on the project and that all construction activity meets the strict environmental requirements we have agreed to meet in our management plans and approvals,” the India-based company said.
Over the coming days, it will carry out preparatory activities such as finalising contracts, mobilising equipment, recruitment and completing inductions.
“These preparatory actions will enable us to then start construction activities including fencing, bridge and road upgrades, water management and civil earthworks on the mine site.”
The level of construction activity will steadily increase over the coming weeks.
The project will deliver 1,500 direct and 6,750 indirect jobs during ramp up and construction, with Rockhampton and Townsville the primary hubs for employment, the energy and logistics giant said.
Nearby areas such as Whitsunday, Isaac, Central Highlands, Mackay, Charters Towers and Gladstone will also benefit from work packages and employment opportunities, it added.