Urgent action needed to stop illegal clearing and mining at the proposed Vulcan South Coal Mine

Environmental Advocacy in Central Queensland (EnvA), alongside local community and environmental groups, is calling on Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to urgently intervene and halt the ongoing mining operations at Queensland Coking Coal’s Vulcan North Bulk Sample Project, located in the heart of Central Queensland.

In August 2024, EnvA raised concerns over the illegal clearing of 67 hectares of threatened species habitat at the site, bringing the issue directly to Minister Plibersek. Despite follow-up communications, no response was received until ABC News publicly exposed the unlawful clearing and mining activities at the Vulcan South site, which is proceeding without federal environmental approval.

Footage taken on 15 October 2024 shows continued clearing and excavation, with heavy machinery operating at the site. This footage suggests that mining operations are proceeding without the necessary environmental approvals under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, despite an ongoing investigation by the federal Department of the Environment.

Last week, Environment Department officials confirmed during a Senate Estimates hearing that a criminal investigation has been launched into whether Queensland Coking Coal cleared critical koala habitat and commenced coal mining without the required approvals under the EPBC Act.

Despite the investigation, mining operations have not been halted.

Dr. Coral Rowston, Director of Environmental Advocacy in Central Queensland said:
“While we acknowledge the Environment Department’s investigation into the serious allegations of illegal clearing and mining, we are deeply concerned by the continued compliance inaction that has allowed these operations to continue. EnvA reported the illegal clearing to the Minister over three months ago and providing substantial evidence.

“No other criminal activity would be allowed to continue unchallenged, yet this government has allowed mining to proceed while it is under investigation. This undermines the integrity of our environmental laws and the government’s commitment to protecting threatened species and habitats.

“We are calling on Minister Plibersek to urgently use her powers under the EPBC Act to seek an injunction and stop all work at the mine site while the investigation is ongoing. Letting these activities continue sends the wrong message about the seriousness of environmental protection in this country.”

Background on the Vulcan South Coal Mine
The Vulcan South Coal Mine is part of a proposed much larger project by Queensland Coking Coal, which is under assessment by the federal government. Although the project has yet to be approved, the bulk sampling pit has already been established, and mining vehicles are operating in areas that were supposed to remain undisturbed for the protection of the endangered koala, greater glider, and other threatened species.

The construction of a haul road for the Bulk Sample Project has cleared habitat that was specifically designated for retention as part of a mitigation strategy for these species. This illegal clearing, along with ongoing mining activities, further endangers these important, treasured and threatened ‘Aussie Icons’.

Dr. Rowston added:
“The ongoing, potentially illegal activities at Vulcan South are entirely unacceptable. We urge the Minister to take swift enforcement action to stop further destruction of critical habitats.

“In addition, we call on her to reject the broader Vulcan South project, which proposes to clear over 1,000 hectares of threatened species habitat.

“To allow this project to go forward would reward a company for blatantly disregarding environmental laws.”

Public Support for Immediate Action
The continued destruction of vital habitats has sparked widespread public concern, with local and national conservation groups calling for immediate government intervention. EnvA believes that the Australian public and the broader conservation community will strongly support swift, decisive action from Minister Plibersek to prevent further harm to Central Queensland’s unique biodiversity and demonstrate that breaches of environmental law will not be tolerated.

ENDS