Adani’s Carmichael mine is going ahead, with the Indian mining giant giving the green light to the first stage of the $16 billion megamine.

Adani announced a mine development deal with Downer Mining and rail construction contracts with Aecom in Townsville on Tuesday.

The company has not confirmed the source of its financing or whether it has secured a loan for rail infrastructure.

The company says the mine will create “10,000 jobs”, but land court hearings in 2015 revealed Carmichael would create less than 1,500 jobs.

 “I am proud to announce the project has final investment decision approval which marks the official start of one of the largest single Infrastructure — and job creating — developments in Australia’s recent history,” Adani chairman Gautam Adani said.

“This is a historic day for Adani, a historic day for regional Queensland, and a historic day for Indian investment in Australia.

“This is the largest single investment by an Indian corporation in Australia, and I believe others will follow with investments and trade deals.

“We have been challenged by activists in the courts, in inner city streets, and even outside banks that have not even been approached to finance the project.

“We are still facing activists. But we are committed to this project.

“We are committed to regional Queensland and we are committed to addressing energy poverty in India.”

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk opened a regional headquarters set up by Adani in Townsville, from where it will oversee construction. It is the first time that a remote operations centre of this type has been deployed in an Australian regional city.