Xstrata’s mega mine threatens Great Barrier Reef

This week marks the next step in our epic court battle with multinational coal mining giant Xstrata. Friends of the Earth were presented with 7 pages of questions from Xstrata's lawyers regarding the details of their objection. Our concern about the future of the Great Barrier Reef is a key reason for initiating legal proceedings against the mine.

“There is no doubt that the Great Barrier Reef is the canary in the coal mine and is at grave risk from climate change. The death of the reef will be a massive economic blow to Queensland,” said Friends of the Earth spokesperson Shani Tager.

“The Xstrata equation is simple: more coal mining means more carbon emissions that will increase climate risks to the Great Barrier Reef. The alternative is also simple: reject Xstrata’s proposed Wandoan mega coal mine and help keep our reef alive.”

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority figures show that the reef generates over 60 000 jobs and contributes $7 billion to Australia’s economy every year.

Economic modeling shows that by 2020 upwards of $3 billion in revenue could be lost because of climate impacts on the Great Barrier Reef.

“When considering coal mining approvals, we need to be aware of the likelihood that within the next ten years regional communities will already be suffering from their climate impacts,” said Ms Tager. “The Great Barrier Reef is an economic powerhouse and without it destinations like Cairns, Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays could become ghost towns.”

“More and more scientific research is telling us to curb emissions to save the Great Barrier Reef. Queensland needs to be transitioning away from coal mining, rather than supporting the largest coal expansion in our history.”

“According to Xstrata's own Environmental Impact Statement, the coal mine will create up to 49 mega tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, a sizeable 0.17% of annual global emissions. The Queensland Government should not be giving the green light to new mega coal mines with the Great Barrier Reef on the brink.”

“Over a million tourists from all over the world come to Queensland to visit the Great Barrier Reef every year. It is an international icon, with the highest diversity of coral reefs, tropical fish, turtles and dugongs.”

“Spiralling carbon emissions mean higher temperatures and more severe coral bleaching. Seawater also absorbs carbon from the atmosphere, so higher emissions mean that seawater becomes more acidic and destroys coral reefs.”

Our trial is scheduled for August 22nd.