In December 2024, the Albanese government approved the expansion of four coalmines that will release more than 850m tonnes of CO2 over their lifetime – equivalent to almost double Australia’s annual emissions.
The approvals have angered climate and environment groups, including groups in the Pacific, who said the expansions would put people at increased risk from extreme weather events and undermined the country’s case to host international climate talks in 2026.
The office of the environment minister, Tanya Plibersek, said the four projects approved were the Boggabri coalmine in New South Wales and, in Queensland, the Caval Ridge Horse Pit, the Lake Vermont Meadowbrook coalmine and the Vulcan South coalmine (which was under federal investigation for allegations of clearing koala habitat without approve).
These approvals come only months after the Albanese government approved another 3 coal projects in one day.
