Investigation Clears Queensland Mining Company of Illegal Land Clearing
Investigation finds mining company did not clear land illegally
AbcImage: Abc
An investigation by the Australian federal government found that Magnetic South's Gemini Coal project in central Queensland did not breach national environmental laws during land clearing activities. Despite criticism from conservation groups, the company maintains that its actions were lawful, as previous approvals were still valid.
- 01Federal investigation found no breaches of environmental laws by Magnetic South.
- 02Land clearing involved 200 hectares near Dingo, Queensland, for a coal mine project.
- 03Queensland Conservation Council criticized the decision, citing potential threats to local wildlife.
- 04The NCA-PM approval from 2010 was deemed still valid despite ownership changes.
- 05Future expansions of the project will require new approvals under the EPBC Act.
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An investigation by the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) concluded that the mining company Magnetic South did not violate national environmental laws during land clearing for its Gemini Coal project in central Queensland. This project, located near Dingo, approximately 120 kilometers west of Rockhampton, aims to mine up to 1.9 million tonnes of coal annually over 25 years. The Queensland Conservation Council (QCC) had previously released drone footage showing 200 hectares of cleared land, claiming that the activities were conducted without necessary environmental approvals. However, the investigation confirmed that the land clearing was permissible under a
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The decision allows Magnetic South to proceed with its coal mining operations, but raises concerns about the environmental impact on local wildlife and habitats.
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