‘Beggars belief’: calls for federal intervention after extension to ‘carbon bomb’ open-cut coalmine approved by Queensland government

Environmental groups are urging federal intervention after the Queensland government approved an extension to the Hail Creek coalmine. The Hail Creek mine, located in central Queensland, is Australia's most methane-polluting open-cut coalmine, responsible for approximately 20% of the country's coalmine methane emissions while producing only 1% of its coal. Conservationists have described the proposed expansion as a "carbon bomb" due to its potential environmental impact. The approval was granted by the Queensland government on Wednesday, prompting concerns from environmental groups about increased methane emissions and calls for federal oversight.