Australia blocks new coal mine to protect Great Barrier Reef

Australia rejected a plan to build a new coal mine close to the Great Barrier Reef just off the coast of central Queensland.

The announcement follows a public outcry over possible threats to the reef, which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

‘I've decided that the adverse environmental impacts are simply too great’, Environment Minister, Tanya Plibersek, said.

The Great Barrier Reef is fewer than 10 km away from the open-cut coal mine; therefore, the reef should be protected. The mine is located in the Styx Coal Basin and is owned by the sizable firm Central Queensland Coal.

The project would have comprised two open-cut pits, which are an open-pit coal mine type, and resulted in the annual extraction of 10 million tonnes of coal. 

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The decision to stop the Styx Coal Basin mine has been applauded by environmentalists. It is the most recent positive environmental impact in Australia since the new Australian government took office last year.

By 2030, Australia wants to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 43%. The Australian government however also mentioned it will approve new fossil-fuel projects with sound business justifications.

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