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Activist Wins 5-Year Legal Fight Against Mining Giant
27 Nov
Summary
- Adani's five-and-a-half-year legal pursuit of activist Ben Pennings has concluded.
- The activist declared victory after court orders ended the prolonged legal battle.
- Pennings agreed not to seek or solicit Adani's confidential business information.
Environmental activist Ben Pennings has officially concluded a five-and-a-half-year legal battle with Indian mining company Adani. The Queensland supreme court signed orders this week, marking the end of the protracted court pursuit. Pennings hailed the resolution as a significant triumph for democracy and the right to protest, asserting that ordinary individuals can successfully resist corporate intimidation. He plans to resume direct action against the Carmichael coal mine.
The legal saga, which began in 2020, saw Adani make unsuccessful attempts to search Pennings's home for evidence of leaked confidential information. Court documents revealed Adani employed a private investigator, who surveilled Pennings and his family. Adani's civil claim alleged Pennings sought to disrupt the Carmichael coal project, its suppliers, and contractors, though a portion of the claim regarding unlawful access to secret information was dropped in 2023.
Adani, through its Australian subsidiary Bravus Mining & Resources, expressed satisfaction with Pennings's undertaking not to obtain confidential information. The company stated the legal action was initiated to prevent harassment of employees and contractors. Adani claimed Pennings's campaign had led several contractors to withdraw from the project and forced others to invest in security due to protests.
