The proposed A$16.5-billion mine and rail project of Indian mining major Adani Mining Pty Ltd in Queensland is awaiting the final nod from Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt and is expected to be taken by August 1.

The Carmichael mega-mine project, which was subject to 190 conditions at the time when Adani launched the proposal, was approved by the Queensland’s Coordinator General two months ago paving the way for Adani to develop one of the biggest coal mines (in the Galilee Basin) in the world.

The project includes a 300-km rail line connecting Adani’s planned Carmichael Coal Mine, Northwest of Clermont, to the Abbot Point Coal port, near the Great Barrier Reef.

Adani said in a statement here: “After receiving the Queensland Coordinator General’s approval on May 8th, Adani’s Carmichael Coal Mine was deemed a prescribed project by the Queensland Minister for State Development and Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney, another step towards the project’s timely commencement.”

Stating that approval from the Environment minister was expected by first of next month, the statement said: “Adani has sought that the Commonwealth approval process for the North Galilee Basin Rail project — currently a parallel process — be aligned with the anticipated Queensland Coordinator General’s approval for the project.

“Decisions on these approvals had always been envisaged on or around Q1 2014-15FY.

“These timelines, coupled with the extant Abbot Point approvals process, position the company well to ensure it meets its longstanding first coal guidance for 2017,” it said.

“Approvals granted for Adani’s infrastructure investments in Queensland have, to date, been amongst the strictest and most stringent processes of their kind ever undertaken by any level of government in Australia.

“Adani looks forward to continuing to work with our project partners and all levels of government in Australia,” it said.

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