GVK Power & Infrastructure was on Tuesday ordered by the Land Court of Queensland to meet strict environmental and water conservation norms before developing the Alpha coal mine and related infrastructure. Development of the mine is estimated to cost $10 billion.
The Court recommended approval of the mining lease for the Alpha mine as long as various environment-related issues and local farmers’ concerns about water use are addressed.
GVK Hancock is a mega coal project now under execution by the Hyderabad-based GVK group and Australian mining magnate Gina Rinehart.
GVK Hancock, the mining entity of the GVK Group in Australia, welcomed the recommendations of the Land Court.
“We understand the significant benefits our projects will bring to the region and will continue to work with environmental regulators in relation to these recommendations,” GVK Hancock said in a statement.
It further said: “We will continue to cooperate with the landholders, the local community and Governments as we progress our projects to a point where construction can commence. We are well aware that the development of the Galilee Basin represents one of the most significant pieces of regional and economic development our state has seen for decades.”
The project is expected to provide direct employment to around 7,500 people across the region during construction, and almost 4,000 once operational, contributing over $40 billion in taxes and royalties over the life of the mines.
During hearings in the case, objections related to climate change, surface and ground water, land use, and greenhouse gas emissions, were heard.