t is full steam ahead for the Adani coal mine after the Queensland government issued the final approval the company needs to begin construction.
Queensland's environment department has signed off on a plan to manage groundwater on and around the company's Galilee basin mine site.
That is despite enduring concerns held by some water experts that the mine could kill off an ancient springs complex, and have dire effects on the health of the Carmichael River.
Adani promised an immediate start to construction once the last approval was in hand.
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'An important step for us'
Adani mining chief executive Lucas Dow said he was looking forward to starting work on the future mine.
"This is a great day for our project but also regional Queensland and North and Central Queensland," he said, in a press conference Thursday afternoon after the company received final approval.
"So we are now focused on getting on with the job and we want to say a big thank you to all of those folks who have stood beside us, particularly those in North and Central Queensland.
"It is now a case of us getting on and delivering on a promise."
Mr Dow said preparation works will shortly be underway to ensure safety protocols and environmental requirements are met.
'Rigorous assessment'
In a statement, the Queensland Department of Environment and Science said its decision had been based on a "rigorous" assessment.
"Adani submitted its most recent version of the plan, addressing the department's feedback, yesterday," the department said.
"The (plan's) assessment has been rigorous and based on the best available science."
The department said it was satisfied Adani had identified the source of the main aquifer of the Doongmabulla Springs Complex as the Clematis Sandstone.
