Name of the Project
Carmichael coal mine project.

Location
The project is located about 160 km north-west of Clermont, in Queensland, Australia.

Project Owner/s
Adani Mining, a wholly owned subsidiary of India’s Adani Group.

Project Description
The Carmichael project is a thermal coal mine and rail project, which will transport coal from the Galilee basin to countries in Asia, including India, Vietnam and China.

Although the project has the approvals to produce up to 60-million tonnes of coal a year, the mine will start by producing ten-million tonnes a year and ramping up to 27.5-million tonnes of coal a year in the first stage.

The reduced plan only requires a 200 km rail spur connecting to Aurizon Holdings’ rail line, rather than a whole new 388 km competing line, and no port expansion.

Potential Job Creation
The project will deliver more than 1 500 direct jobs for the mine and rail projects during the initial ramp-up and construction phase, and will support thousands more indirect jobs, all of which will benefit regional Queensland communities.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
The entire project is expected to cost A$16.5-billion.

Planned Start /End Date
Not stated.

Latest Developments
Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has called on the Queensland government to finalise the remaining approvals for the Carmichael project after the federal Environment Minister approved the groundwater management plan for the project. The approval is based on an independent assessment from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), and Geosciences Australia, which has confirmed that the project meets strict scientific requirements.

Adani has welcomed the approval of the groundwater management plan, with Adani Mining CEO Lucas Dow pointing out that the approval follows more than 18 months of consultation.

He has noted that, in contrast, the Queensland government has continued to shift the goal posts when it comes to finalising the outstanding environmental management plans for the mine and is standing in the way of thousands of jobs for Queenslanders.

“It’s time the Queensland government gave us a fair go and stopped shifting the goal posts so we can get on with delivering these jobs.”

His call has been echoed by the MCA, which said that the state government approvals should take place as soon as possible so the mine can start providing highly paid, highly skilled jobs and supporting businesses across regional Queensland.

The Queensland Resources Council has, meanwhile, warned that any politicisation of the approval processes for the Carmichael coal project casts doubt over all proposed projects, their planned investment and their promised jobs.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Downer Mining (construction and operation of the mine); Austrak (concrete sleepers); Arrium Mining and Materials (railway tracks) and GA Services (refurbishment of camp accommodation).

On Budget and on Time?
The project has been delayed for years, as opposition from environmental groups has led banks to steer clear of funding what will be the biggest coal mine in the country.

Contact Details for Project Information
Adani Mining, tel + 61 7 3223 4800, fax + 61 7 3223 4850 or email Reception.Australia@adani.in.