Adani Group wins final approval to begin work on coal mine project in Australia

MELBOURNE: Indian energy giant Gautam Adani on Thursday cleared the last regulatory hurdle to commence the work on its controversial carmichael coal mine project in Australia with the Queensland state authorities approving its groundwater management plan.

The final and last approval for the Adani Group's long-delayed billion dollar mega coal mine project came weeks after a surprise election win of Australia's pro-coal ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

On May 31, Adani won the first approval from the Queensland state government to protect the endangered black-throated finch bird population as part of its crucial environmental plan at the site of its mine project.

The mining company is now expected to start construction at the site within days.

The State Department of Environment and Science said in a statement that it has approved the most recent version of the plan, which Adani submitted just a day ago.

"Adani submitted its most recent version of the plan, addressing the department's feedback, yesterday.

"The (plan's) assessment has been rigorous and based on the best available science," the department said.

According to media reports, the company had earlier submitted almost dozens of groundwater management plans but failed to meet the key environmental requirements.