Australian government cancels two planned coal mines

Australian Broadcasting Corporation:

The federal government has cancelled two Queensland coal projects as the companies involved didn't provide updated information on the environmental impacts.  

Company Macmines Austasia had proposed to build a coal mine in Belyando, south-west of Mackay, named the China Stone Coal Mine project.

Meanwhile, Stanmore Resources had put plans in place for an open cut coal mine and processing facilities near Wandoan, north-west of Brisbane, known as the Range Coal Project.

Tanya Plibersek said the proponents failed to provide information about the implications the projects would have on the environment which was requested over many years.

"I've been clear I will have zero tolerance for businesses who refuse to provide adequate information about the impact their projects will have on nature," Ms Plibersek said.

"If companies aren't willing to show how they will protect nature, then I'm willing to cancel their projects — and that's exactly what I've done."

If built, the China Stone Coal Mine Project would produce about 55 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of coal, over about 50 years.

[Rachel McGhee]

More: Queensland coal projects cancelled over failure to provide environmental impact information