Australia’s Top Court Blocks Coal Mine Expansion Over Climate Impact

Australia’s highest court has ruled against the proposed expansion of a major coal mine in New South Wales, saying authorities must take the project’s greenhouse gas emissions and potential climate impacts into account.

The High Court ruled that the planned expansion of the Mount Pleasant coal mine in the Hunter Valley must be halted after finding that planning authorities had failed to ensure that greenhouse gas emissions would be minimised as much as practicable.

The case was brought by retired science teachers Wendy Wales and Tony Lonergan, who had spent years challenging the proposed expansion.

The campaigners welcomed the ruling, describing it as an important precedent that could require climate-related harm to be considered when authorities assess future fossil fuel projects across Australia.

The mine’s operator, Mach Energy, had sought to extend the mine’s operations until 2048 and nearly double its annual coal production. The company argued that emissions from coal exported and burned overseas could not be directly linked to environmental damage around the mine.

However, the campaigners argued that greenhouse gas emissions contribute to climate-related risks, including bushfires, floods and droughts.

Three of the five High Court judges ruled that planning authorities were required to consider conditions that would minimise the mine’s greenhouse gas emissions before granting approval.

Lawyers representing the campaigners said the decision could have significant implications for future fossil fuel developments in Australia and could also attract international attention.

Mach Energy said it was disappointed by the ruling but accepted the court’s decision. The company added that it would continue exploring available options to ensure the long-term operation of the Mount Pleasant mine.

Australia is one of the world’s major exporters of fossil fuels, including coal and liquefied natural gas.

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