Methane Bomb Approved: Coalmine Extension Sparks Outrage

Environmental advocates are urging federal intervention following the approval of an extension for Australia's most methane-polluting open-cut coalmine, Hail Creek, located in central Queensland. The state government approved the expansion on Wednesday, allowing Glencore to mine an additional 24 million tonnes of coal and extend the mine's lifespan by three years, until 2038.

This controversial approval permits the clearing of 600 hectares of "nationally significant" koala habitat west of Mackay. Despite these impacts, the Queensland environment department assessed the risk to biodiversity and climate as low. Environmental campaigners highlight that Hail Creek accounts for 20% of Australia's coalmine methane, while producing only 1% of the nation's coal, with research indicating its methane emissions may be three to eight times higher than officially reported.

The expansion's referral to the federal government means Environment Minister Murray Watt will consider it under national environment laws. Experts warn that extending the mine locks in decades of significant, under-reported emissions, jeopardizing Australia's net-zero targets and Paris Agreement commitments. The decision also draws criticism for potentially exacerbating climate impacts like floods and bushfires affecting Queensland communities.