Reported at www.abc.net.au: Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has announced no new coal mines were approved in 2024, despite recommending a new “greenfield” coal mine and extensions to three existing mines.

These approvals will lead to over 900 million tonnes of carbon emissions over their lifetimes, with concerns raised about the impact on the environment and endangered species habitat.

Pacific Islands leaders and environmentalists have criticised the decisions, while the government emphasizes the need for steel production and renewable energy projects to support jobs and comply with emission reduction targets.