Qld coalmine expansion approved by Albanese government will clear habitat and fuel climate crisis, scientists say

Conservationists estimate coal exported from expanded mine to release CO2 equivalent of about half Australia’s annual carbon footprint Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast The Albanese government has approved the expansion of a Queensland coalmine that will clear habitat for threatened koalas and greater gliders and add further fuel to the climate crisis, conservationists say. The extension of the Middlemount mine in Queensland’s Bowen Basin – jointly owned by US company Peabody and China-owned Yancoal – would see about 85m tonnes of coal exported over 24 years.

• ▸High societal impact — significant public interest implications.
• ▸Moderate risk — warrants continued monitoring.
• ▸Involves 7 identified entities with cross-connections.