Local community groups have welcomed the Queensland Land Court’s recommendation that the State Government refuse the expansion of the Ensham Coal Mine due to its significant contribution to greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution.
The Land Court has recommended that the mining lease for Ensham Life of Mine Extension Project “not be approved unless and until the applicants show real and significant progress towards mitigating their GHG emissions”.
In the decision, Land Court President Peta Stilgoe highlighted that extending the mine’s operation for another 20 years would result in over 65 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change and breaching the human rights of Queenslanders. The ruling also questioned the proponent’s commitment to effectively implementing the 19 measures outlined in their GHG mitigation strategy.
Environmental Advocacy for Central Queensland Director Dr Coral Rowston welcomed the decision:
“We are pleased with the Land Court’s recommendation to refuse the mining lease and expect the Resources Minister will require Sungela and Bowen Investments to rethink their emissions strategy.
“This proposed Project is for thermal coal, which is being phased-out domestically as coal fired power plants reach the end of their life. The calculations are clear – there are sufficient approved mines to meet the existing market demand in the Australian and for export. Approving new or expanding thermal coal mines will only accelerate climate change impacts.
“In recent months, large parts of southeast and northern Queensland have suffered unprecedented flooding, while Central Queensland has endured extreme heatwaves.
“The government must acknowledge that we cannot afford the escalating costs of climate change. Communities are being devastated, and the rising cost of living—including soaring insurance premiums and food prices—reflects the growing financial burden.
“The scientific consensus is clear that expansion of fossil fuel production must be stopped in order to reduce global GHG emissions and avoid the potentially catastrophic impacts of unmitigated climate change.”
The Queensland Government will now consider the Land Court’s recommendation before making a final decision on the Ensham Coal Mine expansion.
EnvA’s submission on the Ensham Life of Mine Extension Project Mining Lease Application
EnvA - CQ 