(Bloomberg) -- Australia granted approval to expand three coal mines, sparking criticism against Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s administration and its effort to check emissions.
The government approved an extension of operations at Whitehaven Coal’s Narrabri, MACH Energy Australia’s Mount Pleasant and Ashton Coal Operations’ Ravensworth coal mines. The Narrabri underground mine was granted permission to operate until 2044 and Mount Pleasant to 2048.
“These are not new projects, these three approvals are all extensions of existing operations,” said Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, according to the Australian Associated Press. “The government will continue to consider each project on a case-by-case basis.”
Australia, one of the world’s top shippers of fossil fuels, has struggled to curb coal and gas production, even as the Albanese government pursues more ambitious cuts to domestic emissions. The export of fuel is a major source of revenue for the nation, and the recent extension is expected to secure jobs of more than 1,800 miners, ABC News reported.
The move faces backlash from environmental groups demanding stricter action from the government.
“These approvals are inconsistent with Australia’s climate goals and reinforces our country’s reputation as one of the world’s major fossil fuel exporters,” Rod Campbell, research director at the Australia Institute, said in a statement.
©2024 Bloomberg L.P.
