Approval for Adani Mining Pty's $16.5B Rail Project Expected August 1

India-based mining company Adani Mining Pty Ltd is awaiting finalization from the federal environment minister Greg Hunt on the approval of its $16.5 billion rail project in Queensland. A decision is expected August 1.

The company’s Carmichael mine project, which is expected to be the biggest coal mine in the world, was approved by the Queensland’s coordinator general two months ago. However, the project was subject to additional approval due to the company’s planned rail project.

The 300 kilometer rail line will connect Adani’s planned coal mine to the Abbot Point Coal port, near the Great Barrier Reef.

The company is seeking to have the Commonwealth approval process for the rail project be aligned with the anticipated Queensland Coordinator Genera’s approval for the project.

"Decisions on these approvals had always been envisaged on or around Q1 2014-15FY,” Adani said in a statement. "These timelines, coupled with the extant Abbot Point approvals process, position the company well to ensure it meets its longstanding first coal guidance for 2017.”

"After receiving the Queensland Coordinator General’s approval on May 8th, Adani’s Carmichael Coal Mine was deemed a prescribed project by the Queensland Minister for State Development and Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney, another step towards the project’s timely commencement," it said.

The Carmichael project, which is located in the Galilee basin, has been subject to over 190 conditions since Adani first launched the proposal.

"Approvals granted for Adani’s infrastructure investments in Queensland have, to date, been amongst the strictest and most stringent processes of their kind ever undertaken by any level of government in Australia,” Adani said in the statement.

"Adani looks forward to continuing to work with our project partners and all levels of government in Australia.”