Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has faced sharp criticism after approving extensions to three coal mines and recommending the approval of another in Queensland.

The combined lifetime emissions from the approved projects are estimated at over 900 million tonnes of carbon dioxide - double Australia’s total annual emissions in 2023.

While announcing the decisions, Ms Plibersek stated; “Labor has approved zero new coal mines this year”, compared to eight new mines approved by the Coalition in 2014. 

However, critics argue that the proposed Vulcan South mine, classified by the Queensland government as a new “greenfield” project, contradicts her claim. 

The minister’s department and independent experts have categorised it as an expansion.

Environmental groups have slammed the approvals, especially the Vulcan South site, which is under investigation for illegal clearing of koala habitat. 

Jenny Brown of the Queensland Conservation Council labelled the decision “an insult to Australians and a shocking failure of leadership”.

Political opponents have also expressed discontent too. 

Greens Leader Adam Bandt called the move “despicable”, while independent Senator David Pocock referred to the approvals as “reckless and irresponsible”.

A spokesperson for Ms Plibersek has told reporters that the decisions align with Australia’s net-zero commitments, noting stringent conditions and regulations under the government’s climate safeguard mechanism. 

However, this does not cover the scope-three emissions generated when coal is burned, which accounts for over 95 per cent of the emissions from these mines.

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