BHP Billiton scraps export terminal plan:BHP Billiton has scrapped its plan to build a US$4.75 billion coal export terminal at Abbot Point which adjoins the Great Barrier Reef, citing poor market demand. The company planned to build a 60 million tonnes-a-year export terminal and associated 250-kilometre long railway. The company has also withdrawn the proposed Red Hill and Saraji East metallurgical coal projects from Queensland’s environmental assessment process. (Guardian, Australian Financial Review)
Australian government approves Galilee Basin mega-mine: The Australian government has approved the 30 million tonnes- a-year Kevin’s Corner thermal coal mine proposed by the Indian company, GVK. Community groups are considering a legal challenge against the decision. (Guardian, GVK)
Coal tailings dam collapses: An estimated one billion cubic metres of mine wastes spilled into Canada’s Athabasca River after the collapse of a tailings dam at Sherritt International’s Obed Mountain coal mine. Five days after the disaster the state government’s environmental regulator warned residents and farmers not to use water from the river. (Edmonton Journal) Election rebuff for US coal terminal supporters: Candidates backed by environmental groups appear likely to win all four contested seats on the seven-member Whatcom County Council in Washington state. The council will determine whether to grant permits for the proposed 48-million- tonne- a-year Gateway Pacific Terminal at Cherry Point. The election outcome has been welcomed by the Sierra Club. (Seattle Post Intelligencer, Sierra Club) |