Indigenous groups call on UN to stop mine

Determined to stop the Carmichael coal mine from being built on their traditional lands in Queensland, an indigenous group is seeking support from the UN.

Wangan and Jagalingou man Adrian Burragubba Source: AAP

An indigenous group is calling on the United Nations to help them stop an Indian coal group building a $16.5 billion mine on their lands in Queensland.

Adani's Carmichael mine, expected to export at least 50 million tonnes of coal a year, is slated for the Galilee Basin on traditional lands of the Wangan and Jagalingou people.

Members for the indigenous group are now urging the UN's Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples to intervene to protect their lands from "irreversible destruction".

"If developed as proposed, the mine (would) permanently destroy vast swathes of our traditional lands and waters, including a complex of springs that we hold sacred as the starting point of our life," the submission reads.

It claims the group has not been consulted in good faith nor given their "free, prior and informed consent" for the Carmichael mine.

They say they have twice rejected indigenous land-use agreements with Adani Mining.

The submission, attributed to spokespeople Adrian Burragubba and Murrawah Johnson, also alleges the federal and Queensland governments could contravene traditional owners' human rights if they give a green light to the project.

"We respectfully request that you investigate the issues set out in this letter and call on Australia to ensure the protection of our human rights," it reads.

"We believe that an expression of concern from you would help convince the Australian and Queensland governments to reassess their approvals of the mine in light of its effect on our human rights."

The group has embarked on a three-week global tour to demand that major investment banks in New York, Washington, London and Zurich rule out funding the mine.

London-based Standard Chartered later announced it would cut ties with the project, less than a week after Commonwealth Bank ended its involvement.

The relevant state and federal ministers, as well as Adani Mining, have been contacted for comment.