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Adani's upbeat but still has more hurdles

Adani says construction could start immediately at its mine site once it gets state environment approvals but other major issues are yet to be resolved.

Anti Adani coal mine protestors
Adani will know by June 13 if Queensland's environment department will approve its plans. (AAP)

Adani believes it will have approvals for its controversial Queensland coalmine within three weeks, and has vowed to immediately ramp up construction.

The company is confident it will soon be working on stage two of the Galilee Basin mine after deadlines were set for the state approvals it's been waiting on for 18 months.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said on Friday Adani would know by June 13 if the environment department would approve its plans to protect an endangered finch and groundwater at its mine site.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison told Queensland to get on with the vetting the plans and make a decision.

Adani has previously accused the state government of frustrating the project by constantly moving the goal posts, but now says it's feeling encouraged.

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Adani Australia chief executive Lucas Dow said jobs would quickly begin to flow if the state environment department gave its consent.

"Our construction activity will start almost immediately - the moment we've got those approvals."

Adani supporter and Queensland LNP Senator Matt Canavan said the project would create thousands of jobs.

But the construction union warned the state government to ensure there really were iron-clad jobs guarantees.

Adani considers the outstanding state approvals the greatest threat to its mine.

But there are also some federal approvals, legal challenges and a dispute with some indigenous owners pending.

Other major issues to resolve include a royalties agreement, Adani's plans for a rail line and other infrastructure agreements.

The company will be back before the Federal Court on Monday as some traditional owners continue their fight against the mine.

They are appealing a decision that upheld Adani's Indigenous Land Use Agreement with the Wangan and Jagalingou people.


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



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