Adani seals final landholder compensation deal for Australia project

Indian mining giant Adani today took a step forward in realising its 21.7 billion dollars coal mine in Australia by concluding the final landholder compensation agreement, a day after it received the backing of the Queensland`s Parliament for the controversy-hit project.

Melbourne: Indian mining giant Adani on Wednesday took a step forward in realising its 21.7 billion dollars coal mine in Australia by concluding the final landholder compensation agreement, a day after it received the backing of the Queensland's Parliament for the controversy-hit project.

"This agreement, which allows for the inclusion of land within the surface area of the mining lease, represents another important milestone in ensuring the company's mine, rail and port projects proceed, and another step in Adani's plans to build a long term future with Queensland," a spokesperson for Adani said.

The latest company announcement came after Queensland parliament agreed that Adani Enterprises Ltd should be granted "all state government approvals" to build one of the world's biggest coal mines.

The company described the move as an "important milestone" stating that?"high quality, low ash, low sulphur coal mined at Carmichael, ideal for use in Indian generators, will help meet growing energy demand in the company?s home market, while providing much needed jobs and export opportunities for Queensland."

Welcoming the news, Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Michael Roche said: "This is yet another milestone as these important projects continue to progress. And as the QRC has regularly stated, these important economic opportunities benefit all Queenslanders, not just those in the regions".

Last night, Queensland Parliament announced its support for the approval of Adani's Carmichael coal?project.

Last month, Queensland state's Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP) issued a final environmental authority (EA) for Adani's Carmichael Mine project but with about 140 conditions. The project is located near the fragile Great Barrier Reef.

Adani's plan to build the coal mines in Australia has been hampered time and again. A federal court in August last year had revoked the original approval due to environmental concerns.

In October last year, the project got a new lease of life after the Australian government gave its re-approval.