Australia's new environmental agency greenlights Saraji coal mine extension, sparking climate outcry

The National Environmental Protection Agency, Australia’s newly created environmental regulator, has granted its inaugural coal project approval, permitting BHP Mitsubishi Alliance to extend the Saraji open-cut mine in Queensland until 2055. The extension will enable extraction of an additional 55 million tonnes of coal and requires clearing of up to 9.7 hectares of endangered koala habitat, 14.2 hectares of ornamental snake habitat and 39 hectares of squatter pigeon habitat, though the agency capped total clearing at 132.5 ha for snakes, 162 ha for pigeons and 11.5 ha for koalas.

The approval was issued with conditions intended to safeguard threatened species and water resources, yet climate advocates argue it contradicts the government’s stated climate stance. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, dismissed claims of tension over fossil-fuel exports, asserting Australia’s credibility on climate issues. Ben McLeod of the Climate Council warned the mine could emit about 120 million tonnes of CO₂ over its life, while Greenpeace Australia Pacific labeled the decision “double talk” and an affront to Pacific nations.

Dr Carol Rowston of Environmental Advocacy Central Queensland warned the expansion would strain water quality in the Fitzroy River catchment during floods. The environment minister Murray Watt has not yet commented.