Skip to Content
AP National Business

Australia rejects open-pit coal mine near Great Barrier Reef

KION
By
Published 11:27 PM

By ROD McGUIRK
Associated Press

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia has rejected a coal mining application based on environmental law for the first time. The government is under pressure to block all new coal and gas extraction projects in the interest of curbing climate change. But Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said Thursday she would decide individual projects on their merits. On Wednesday, Plibersek announced her decision to prevent excavation of the Central Queensland Coal Project less than 6 miles from the Great Barrier Reef off the northeast Australian coast. Plibersek says the risk of “pollution and irreversible damage to the reef is very real.” A United Nations-backed mission has recommended the world’s largest coral reef be listed as an endangered World Heritage site because it was imperiled by climate inaction.

Article Topic Follows: AP National Business

Jump to comments ↓

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KION 46 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content