Australia has approved the expansion of three coal mines, leading to backlash against Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government for its approach to emissions control.
The government has authorized extensions for operations at Whitehaven Coal’s Narrabri mine, MACH Energy Australia’s Mount Pleasant, and Ashton Coal Operations’ Ravensworth thermal coal mines, all located in New South Wales. The Narrabri underground mine is now permitted to operate until 2044, while Mount Pleasant’s extension lasts until 2048.
As one of the world’s largest fossil fuel exporters, Australia faces criticism for backing extensive coal and natural gas projects while simultaneously aiming for more ambitious domestic emissions reductions. Proponents of mining argue that Australian coal is cleaner compared to imports from other countries, and they warn that delays in project approvals could jeopardize jobs and Australia’s standing as a dependable partner in global energy markets.
Whitehaven Coal stated, “Our high-quality thermal coal plays a vital role in supporting global energy security during the ongoing energy transition, especially in Asia, where demand for efficient, low-emissions coal-fired power remains strong.” According to the Australia Institute, the three mines are projected to emit approximately 1.4 billion tons of carbon dioxide over their operational lifetimes—about three times the country’s annual emissions.
These approvals bring the total number of coal projects authorized by Albanese’s administration to seven. Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek defended the decision, stating, “These are not new projects, but rather extensions of existing operations. The emissions from these projects will be evaluated by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy under the government’s robust climate regulations.”
Government forecasts indicate that Australia’s thermal coal exports will decrease to around A$28 billion for the year ending June 2026, down from A$37 billion in 2023-2024, although export volumes are expected to remain stable.
