How many coal mines are currently waiting for federal approval?
Answer
As of September 2022, the federal government is currently considering 29 applications for new coal mines and expansions.
In 2022, for the first time in Australia’s history, Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek proposed to reject a coal mine. Minister Plibersek proposed to reject Clive Palmer's Central Queensland Coal Project on the grounds it is likely to damage the Great Barrier Reef.
It’s important to note that no coal mine has ever been rejected on grounds that it will cause damage to the climate, despite coal being Australia’s top contribution to the climate crisis, and the State of the Environment report finding that climate change threatens every ecosystem in Australia.
