PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Queensland Department of Environment and Science has approved the black-throated finch management plan for the Carmichael project, Indian major Adani reported on Friday.

The miner said that the management plan was found to comply with the strict regulatory conditions set by the Australian and state governments.

The approval of the management plan comes following the intervention of Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, which tasked the Coordinator-General to convene a meeting between all stakeholders in the project and hash out plans to finalise the two outstanding environmental plans, following significant delays in the project’s approval process.

The parties agreed to a three-week deadline to finalise the two management plans, resolving the issues by June 13.

“We are encouraged that the Queensland government has met the recently-announced timeframe to finalise the plan. This brings our project a step closer to construction and to delivering much-needed jobs for regional Queenslanders,” said Adani Mining CEO Lucas Dow.

“The black-throated finch management plan has been the subject of a rigorous approvals process over the past two years that has involved experts from both the Queensland and Australian governments.

“The plan was developed by ecological experts and is backed by the best available science to ensure the finch is protected and that the species can co-exist with mining operations.”

Dow said that the company was pleased that as part of this plan, 33 000 ha of dedicated conservation land surrounding the mine site would be set aside and expertly managed to ensure an optimal habitat for the finch and other local native species.

“Following recent scientific advice from the Queensland Department of Environment and Science we have added more detail to the black-throated finch management plan on items such as cattle grazing intensity, habitat and population management and also delivered updates to our ongoing research plan.”