Australia's High Court Blocks Coal Mine Expansion Due to Climate Harm
The decision requires authorities to consider greenhouse gas emissions when approving fossil fuel extraction projects, the country's High Court reports.
Australia's High Court upheld a decision to overturn the approval for expanding the Mount Pleasant coal mine in the state of New South Wales. The Court ruled that authorities failed to consider imposing conditions to minimize greenhouse gas emissions to the maximum extent practically achievable, as required by law.
The decision pertains to extending the mine's operations until 2048 and nearly doubling its production. The owner is Indonesia's Salim Group, through its subsidiary Mach Energy. New South Wales authorities must now account for emissions from the combustion of exported coal, including those occurring abroad.
The lawsuit was filed by the local environmental group Denman Aberdeen Muswellbrook Scone Healthy Environment Group (DAMSHEG), associated with former teachers Wendy Wales and Tony Lonergan. They stated that the Court confirmed Australia cannot ignore the climate consequences of coal extraction. The ruling sets an important legal precedent for future fossil fuel projects in New South Wales.
